Torino Injury Crisis: Adams Out, Simeone Doubt for Roma

Torino coach Ignazio Abate has delivered a significant injury update ahead of Monday's Serie A meeting with Roma, confirming that striker Che Adams will miss the game through an adductor problem while Giovanni Simeone is a major doubt due to a back issue.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Abate was candid about the attacking shortage his side faces for the visit of an in-form Roma team to the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino.

Adams ruled out, Simeone facing late fitness test

"Saul Coco has recovered, but we lose Adams to an adductor issue," Abate said. "Simeone is also in doubt, as there is a problem with his back. We'll evaluate Simeone's condition, but alternatively we'll just have to make do."

The double blow leaves Torino desperately short of options in the final third. Adams, signed to add physicality and goals to the Granata attack, is now unavailable, and Simeone's back complaint means the Argentine could join him on the sidelines. Abate admitted the situation is far from ideal but insisted his squad has the flexibility to cope.

"Duvan Zapata's knee is responding positively, we do have two more strikers in the squad, but we could play without a centre-forward too," he explained. That last remark hints at a possible tactical shift, with Abate open to deploying a fluid frontline rather than a traditional No. 9.

Zapata progress offers hope, but absentees mount

Zapata's improving knee is a rare piece of good news for Torino, though the Colombian's fitness will be managed carefully. The veteran forward has been a focal point for the Granata when available, and his return to full sharpness would ease the burden on a depleted attack.

Elsewhere, Cesare Casadei, Pietro Pellegri and goalkeeper Franco Israel remain absent from the Torino squad, with no return date provided by the club. Their continued unavailability further limits Abate's rotation options as the season gathers pace.

The coach also confirmed that defender Saul Coco has recovered from his own issue and will be available for selection, providing a timely boost to the defensive department.

Tactical flexibility key against in-form Roma

With his forward line compromised, Abate suggested he is prepared to adapt his system. "As far as I am concerned, we attack with 10 and defend with 10," he said, emphasising collective responsibility over individual roles.

He singled out Daniel Braganca as a player capable of operating as a mezz'ala or dictating tempo in midfield, adding that it is up to him to ensure Braganca can co-exist with Rolando Mandragora and Kian Fitz-Jim. That midfield trio could be crucial in compensating for the lack of a recognised striker by controlling possession and pushing forward in numbers.

Torino's start to the campaign has been difficult. They crashed out of the Coppa Italia at home to Monza and lost their opening two Serie A fixtures against Milan and Sassuolo before finally getting off the mark with a 2-1 victory away to a Fiorentina side in crisis. Monday's fixture against Roma, who are described as on-form, represents another stern test.

"Tomorrow will be an important test for us," Abate acknowledged. With key attackers missing, the Granata's resilience and tactical discipline will be under the microscope.

For bettors and fantasy managers, the confirmed absence of Adams and the doubt over Simeone significantly alters Torino's expected attacking output. Zapata's potential involvement, even if not fully fit, could be pivotal. Meanwhile, Roma will sense an opportunity to capitalise on a Torino side shorn of its main striking threats.

As always, check our Serie A predictions for the latest AI-driven insights, and keep an eye on latest football news for further updates on Simeone's late fitness test. For all of Monday's fixtures, our today's AI betting tips can help you navigate the impact of these injury blows.