Smalling makes Roma return from injury just in time for Man Utd reunion

The English center-back is in contention to start against his former side in the semi-final of the Europa League this week.

Chris Smalling “has the chance to play against Manchester United”, said AS Roma manager Paulo Fonseca after the defender made his return from injury on Sunday.

Smalling made his first start in over a month as Roma suffered a 3-2 defeat to Cagliari in Serie A. He was limited to just 59 minutes of action on his return from a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

It marked a third successive league loss for the Italian side, who find themselves at seventh in the league standings, three points behind Lazio who hold the final Europa League spot.

Up next for Roma is the Europa League semi-final first-leg against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Thursday.

“He did very well. It was important to get Chris at least 45 minutes of playing time, he had more than that, and I think it was positive. Now he has the chance to play against Manchester United,” Fonseca told post-match, via Football Italia.

“This semi-final with Manchester United is very important and I must stay entirely focused on a game that is too important for us.

“It’s true that Manchester United are very dangerous on the counter-attack, but we must realise it’ll be really difficult if we go to Manchester and just defend. We need to keep the ball and make it difficult for them. The team must show character and not sit too deep.”