Lazio and Nigeria dealt double injury blow as Dele-Bashiru and Marusic sidelined

FolioPitch.com – 27 August 2026 | The start of the Serie A season has taken a toll on Lazio, with the club confirming a significant setback in their early campaign. The key phrase Blow for Lazio Nigeria as Dele-Bashiru Suffers Thigh Injury Marusic Also Out encapsulates the current crisis at the Biancocelesti, as two key first-team players are now facing weeks on the sidelines. Midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has been ruled out with a thigh injury sustained on the opening day, while defender Adam Marusic is also nursing a muscular problem, leaving coach Gennaro Gattuso to reshuffle his plans.

The injury crisis began during Lazio’s season opener at the Renato Dall’Ara against Bologna. Dele-Bashiru, who had been handed a starting role after an encouraging showing in the Coppa Italia defeat to Mantova, was forced off early in the second half. He made way for Davide Frattesi, who went on to score the only goal of the match. However, the concern quickly shifted from the result to the fitness of the Nigerian international. Clinical tests, as reported by Il Messaggero and La Lazio Siamo Noi, revealed a first- or second-degree tear in his right thigh. This diagnosis is expected to keep the 25-year-old out of action for at least three weeks, a timeline that has significant implications for both club and country.

This Blow for Lazio Nigeria as Dele-Bashiru Suffers Thigh Injury Marusic Also Out scenario means the Lagos-born midfielder will miss crucial fixtures. He will be absent for the home clash against Genoa this Sunday, as well as the Serie A encounters with Udinese on September 7 and AC Milan on September 13. His availability for the trip to Venezia on September 19 remains doubtful, with the club’s medical staff monitoring his recovery closely. The timing could not be worse for Nigeria, as they are set to begin their African Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with matches against Madagascar on September 23 and Guinea-Bissau on September 27. Dele-Bashiru’s participation in those international fixtures is now in serious jeopardy, adding another layer to the Blow for Lazio Nigeria as Dele-Bashiru Suffers Thigh Injury Marusic Also Out narrative.

Dele-Bashiru’s absence is a particular blow for Gattuso, who had shown faith in the midfielder following his pre-season performances. Known for his box-to-box energy and ability to time runs into the opposition area, the Nigerian international was expected to be a key figure in Lazio’s midfield this season. His early injury disrupts the coach’s tactical plans and forces the club to rely on other options. The situation is compounded by the fact that Adam Marusic also picked up an injury in the opening minutes against Bologna. The Montenegrin strained his flexor muscle, and according to reports, he will be out for two to three weeks. This leaves Lazio without two experienced starters, creating a defensive headache for the coaching staff.

With Marusic sidelined, Romano Floriani Mussolini is expected to step into the right-back role in the coming weeks. The young defender, who has impressed in training, will be handed a significant opportunity to establish himself in the first team. Meanwhile, Manuel Lazzari’s future at the club has become the subject of speculation, with Monza and Cagliari reportedly interested in his services. If Lazzari were to depart, Lazio would be even more stretched in the full-back areas, adding to the sense of urgency surrounding the Blow for Lazio Nigeria as Dele-Bashiru Suffers Thigh Injury Marusic Also Out situation.

The double injury blow raises questions about Lazio’s depth and their ability to compete on multiple fronts this season. The club invested heavily in the summer, but early setbacks have already tested their squad resilience. Gattuso will need to find solutions quickly, whether by promoting youth players or adjusting his tactical setup. The Italian tactician is known for his demanding approach and ability to motivate players, but even he will find the next few weeks challenging with such a depleted roster.

For Dele-Bashiru specifically, this injury represents a frustrating start to what promised to be a pivotal season. Having established himself as a regular for Nigeria, the midfielder was eager to push on at club level and secure a prominent role in Lazio’s midfield. Now, he faces a race against time to regain fitness and prove his worth. The medical team will likely take a cautious approach, ensuring he does not suffer a recurrence of the tear, which could lead to a longer layoff.

Lazio’s upcoming fixtures, including the matches against Genoa, Udinese, and AC Milan, will be crucial in determining their early season trajectory. Dropping points due to a depleted squad would not be acceptable to the club’s ambitious hierarchy. The fans, too, will be hoping for a swift recovery for both players, as they look to see their team compete for a top-four finish and silverware. The international break, which follows those fixtures, may provide some respite, but by then the damage could already be done if results go against them.

As the situation develops, all eyes will be on Lazio’s medical department and the rehabilitation progress of Dele-Bashiru and Marusic. The club has not provided a definitive timeline for either player’s return, but reports suggest Dele-Bashiru could be back within three weeks, while Marusic might need a similar period. That would bring them back for the Venezia match or the subsequent international window, depending on how their recovery progresses.

In conclusion, the Blow for Lazio Nigeria as Dele-Bashiru Suffers Thigh Injury Marusic Also Out is a significant early-season setback for both club and country. Dele-Bashiru’s injury deprives Lazio of a dynamic midfield presence and Nigeria of a key player for their AFCON qualifiers. Marusic’s absence further weakens the defensive line, forcing Gattuso to rely on untested options. While the injuries are not catastrophic, they come at a time when Lazio cannot afford to lose momentum. The next few weeks will test the squad’s depth and the coach’s tactical flexibility. For now, fans can only hope for a quick recovery and a successful return for both players, as the season is still young and there is plenty of time to turn things around.