Vergara back in training for half a session but still a doubt for Roma

Antonio Vergara has trained with the squad again, but only for half a session.

Before the Bodø/Glimt game, Allegri said Vergara could be available for Roma but admitted he had not yet trained with the team. He has now done half a session. Being named in the squad is one thing. Being properly useful in a game like this is another, and he is not there yet.

A month of setbacks calls for caution

Our injury list is the reason not to rush him. Alisson Santos broke down again at Venezia after about 20 minutes with a moderate-grade strain to his left hamstring. That is the third setback in a month, after Anguissa and Neres. Buongiorno has had surgery on his meniscus and will be out for a long time.

The midfield is not at its best either, as Allegri himself admitted:

"Anguissa and McTominay are not yet at 100%."

That is why getting Vergara back matters more than his minutes suggest. It is also why the question has to be asked. Three players have come back this month and broken down again, so does it make sense to rush a fourth? We would rather see him on the bench on Saturday, even if he does not come on, than count another setback.

The game will not wait

Napoli are ninth with 10 points after seven matches. Gasperini's Roma arrive in third with 17, seven points ahead.

The club has tied Allegri's future to two games. The first, against Bodø/Glimt, was won 4-3, with Napoli conceding three goals. Roma is the second.

Saturday's squad list will show whether that half session was enough.