Roma fear new Smalling setback after training incident – report

Roma fear that centre-back Chris Smalling has suffered a new set-back in his comeback from injury after the former Manchester United defender pulled up in training on Sunday morning according to recent reports.

Smalling has not featured for Roma in any competition since September as he has been struggling with a tendon issue all season.

The 34-year-old was named as a substitute for the 4-2 loss against league leaders Inter at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, but was left on the bench by Daniele De Rossi. That was his first involvement in the matchday squad since the 2-1 loss against Milan on September 9.

However, according to information from Il Corriere dello Sport, Smalling had to cut short his training session on Sunday after feeling some discomfort during the session.

Smalling reportedly took part in the warm up and had lined up to take part in Roma’s tactical exercises, but took himself off the pitch shortly afterwards.

Heavy rain, which led to a sodden training pitch at Trigoria, may have also contributed to Smalling’s decision to retire early from Sunday’s training session as the conditions could have made for an unnecessary risk, Il Corriere reports.