More bad news for Roma after it was confirmed that Greek defender Kostas Manolas will have to have a nasal operation and is likely to be out until after the international break.
 

The 25-year-old has been ever present this season but late on in yesterday’s goalless draw at Empoli, the player reported that he had picked up an injury to his nose which will be operated on in the next few hours. With Alessandro Florenzi leaving the Villa Stuart clinic this morning after his cruciate knee ligament operation, Manolas checked in to undergo his surgery.
 

Coach Luciano Spalletti has had to cope with numerous injuries to his defenders already this season and will be desperate to have Manolas back in action in time for the derby clash with Lazio on December 4. On the plus side for the giallorossi, Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen is making good progress after his lay-off and could soon be back in first-team action.

Steve Mitchell @barafundler