Wesley's Thigh Nightmare: Roma Star Hobbling Home from Brazil Duty
Roma winger Wesley has been released early from Brazil duty after suffering a muscular injury in his right thigh during a 2-1 friendly loss to France. The issue, confirmed by tests, mirrors previous niggles this season, with no replacement called up for the next game against Croatia. Fans hope it's minor, given his strong form of four goals and two assists in 35 games.
Picture this: you're Wesley, the zippy Brazilian winger who's been lighting up Serie A for Roma, and you finally get the nod to start for the Seleção against France. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it turned into a proper thigh-slapper – the bad kind – as our lad picked up a muscular injury and got shipped back to the Eternal City quicker than you can say ' hamstring curse'.
As reported by Susy Campanale at Football Italia, Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti threw Wesley into the starting XI for that 2-1 friendly defeat in Paris. The Roma man lasted until the 71st minute, when Roger Ibanez came on to replace him. Turns out, both Wesley and teammate Raphinha were nursing tweaks in the back of their right thighs during the game. Oof.
The Injury Lowdown
The Brazilian Football Federation didn't mess about. Tests confirmed muscular problems for the pair, and they've been released early to let their clubs handle the rehab. No fresh call-ups for the upcoming friendly against Croatia on Tuesday night – which means Brazil are rolling a bit short-handed.
For Roma fans, this hits close to home. Wesley has been a revelation since his summer switch to the Olimpico, notching four goals and two assists in 35 competitive outings. But here's the kicker: this isn't his first dance with the injury fairies this season. He missed time after a knock in December, and there's even a snap of him limping off against Napoli back in February. Is this latest one a minor niggle or a proper setback? Time – and the club medics – will tell.
A Season of Promise and Pains
Let's give Wesley his flowers, though. The young gun has bossed it on the wing, bringing pace, flair, and a knack for popping up with goals when Daniele De Rossi needs them most. Think of that duel with Juventus at the Olimpico in March – he was everywhere. But muscular issues keep dogging him, like a dodgy ex who won't take the hint.
Roma will be gutted. They're grinding through Serie A, and losing a key attacker right now could sting. Especially with Ancelotti's Brazil camp exposing him to top-tier defending from the French. Subbed off just before the hour mark? Nah, 71st – but you get the vibe: he was feeling it.
It's the sort of news that has Giallorossi punters downing their Peronis in dismay. 'Not again, Wes!' they'll moan. Yet, with his track record, he bounces back quick. Remember that post-Napoli scare? He was tearing it up soon after.
What's Next on the Horizon?
Club over country now – Roma get him back for treatment, and fingers crossed it's a quick fix ahead of the league slog. No word yet on timelines, but if it's like his previous woes, he might dodge a long layoff. Meanwhile, Brazil prep for Croatia without their Roma duo. Ancelotti will have to shuffle the pack.
For Serie A watchers, keep an eye on the Olimpico. Will Wesley be sprinting down the flank come matchday, or watching from the stands with an ice pack? Either way, his story's got that classic footballer arc: highs, lows, and a dodgy right thigh. Stay tuned, lads – football's never dull.