Roma’s Pre-Season Hit as Robinio Vaz Sidelined by Knee Ligament Injury

FolioPitch.com – 14 July 2026 | The bad news has already arrived for Roma before the season even begins: a knee injury rules Robinio Vaz out of Roma pre-season. The 19-year-old Brazilian attacker sustained a right knee ligament injury during training this week, immediately casting a shadow over Gian Piero Gasperini‘s first pre-season campaign with the Giallorossi.

According to multiple reports, including Sky Sport Italia, Vaz was diagnosed with a lesion to the collateral ligament. While not considered a serious issue, the injury is significant enough to keep him sidelined for several weeks as Roma’s medical staff monitor his recovery. This development means that the knee injury rules Robinio Vaz out of Roma pre-season entirely, denying him valuable time to integrate into Gasperini’s tactical system.

Vaz joined Roma in the January transfer window from Olympique Marseille for a fee of €22 million plus add-ons. In his 14 competitive appearances for the club, he contributed one goal and two assists, showing flashes of the talent that made him a highly sought-after prospect. The Brazilian’s absence is a setback for Roma, who are already wary of repeating last season’s injury crisis, which primarily affected their attacking players. The 2026-27 campaign appears to be starting on a similar note, as the knee injury rules Robinio Vaz out of Roma pre-season and raises concerns about the squad’s depth.

Gasperini, who took over the reins this summer, had barely begun pre-season training at Trigoria when the news broke. The injury to Vaz is particularly frustrating because the teenager was expected to play a key role in the new coach’s plans. Roma’s attack, which struggled with injuries last term, now faces an early challenge. The club’s medical team will evaluate Vaz’s progress in the coming weeks, but the timeline suggests he will miss the entire pre-season schedule, including friendlies and training camps. This further emphasizes that the knee injury rules Robinio Vaz out of Roma pre-season, potentially affecting his form at the start of the league season.

Roma’s pre-season was already under scrutiny after a disappointing previous campaign. Gasperini is known for his high-intensity training and tactical demands, which require players to be fully fit. Vaz’s absence means other attacking options, such as Paulo Dybala and Tammy Abraham, will need to step up and carry the load during preparations. The club may also explore the transfer market for reinforcements, though no immediate moves have been reported. For now, the focus remains on Vaz’s recovery, and the hope is that the injury will not have long-term consequences.

In conclusion, the knee injury rules Robinio Vaz out of Roma pre-season, dealing an early blow to Gasperini’s tenure. Roma fans will be anxiously awaiting updates on their young star’s condition, hoping he can return to full fitness in time for the Serie A opener. The incident underscores the importance of injury prevention and squad depth in modern football, especially for a club with ambitions to challenge for top honors. As Roma navigate this setback, the resilience of the squad will be tested before a single competitive match has been played.