Wijnaldum set for first Roma start in Cremonese clash

Georginio Wijnaldum could make his first start for AS Roma when the Giallorossi take on Cremonese in Serie A later tonight, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.

The former Liverpool man joined Jose Mourinho’s side on a season-long loan deal from Paris Saint-Germain last summer.

However, he has endured an injury-laden period in Rome that has seen him feature just five times in all competitions for the Serie A giants.

The Netherlands international has been recovering from a broken tibia sustained in August last year following an unfortunate training ground tackle from former teammate Felix Afena-Gyan.

Coincidentally the incident occurred on the eve of Roma’s game against Cremonese in the early part of the season. 

Afena-Gyan subsequently joined La Cremo on a permanent deal just over a week after Wijnaldum’s injury, and both players are in contention to start what could prove a symbolic clash for the duo.

The injury was expected to rule Wijnaldum out for most of the campaign, and the Dutchman’s recovery process has been positive, having rejoined team training.

The Dutchman has registered seven and four-minute cameo appearances from the bench in Roma’s last two league games against Hellas Verona and Lecce.

He also replaced Lorenzo Pellegrini in the 81st minute of Roma’s 2-0 victory over RB Salzburg that confirmed their place in the next round of the Europa League.

Wijnaldum could start under Mourinho for the first time, with the Giallorossi looking to boost their top-four push with a win over the relegation strugglers.

Mourinho’s side are currently fifth in the table, but just three points separate them from second-placed Inter Milan. A win will take them above AC Milan into third place.