Roma arrive at Como's Stadio G. Sinigaglia on Sunday in strong league position but carrying a growing injury burden that is testing Gian Piero Gasperini's squad depth at a critical moment. The club sits second in Serie A with 13 points from five games, level with Lazio and just three behind Inter, and the visit to an in-form Como side represents one of the sternest tests of the early season.

The most pressing concern is in goal. Mile Svilar has been ruled out for at least a month with a microfracture to a finger, forcing Gasperini to turn to Pierluigi Gollini, who previously worked under the manager at Atalanta. Devis Vasquez steps up as the new backup. The timing is far from ideal given the fixtures ahead.

In midfield, Bryan Cristante remains sidelined with a knee problem that could keep him out for up to three weeks. His absence hands Marten De Roon, signed this summer on Gasperini's insistence, an immediate chance to justify that faith. Lorenzo Pellegrini, yet to start this season after recovering from injury, is also in contention after the international break.

There is better news in attack. Donyell Malen has recovered from his knee issue and is fit to start, while Wesley has also been cleared to play. Roma go to Como with momentum from a 2-2 draw against Inter and a 2-0 win at Torino, but managing this squad through a demanding run of fixtures will define how seriously their title challenge can be taken.