Malen Knee Injury 'Not Too Bad' as Roma Wait on Striker

Malen Withdraws From Netherlands Squad

Donyell Malen has been forced out of the Netherlands squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, but the early indications suggest the Roma striker's problem is not serious. The centre-forward, who has been in outstanding form for the Giallorossi this season, was one of two players to pull out of the Oranje group, alongside Bournemouth forward Justin Kluivert.

According to reports, the pair were replaced in the squad by Guus Til and Mexx Meerdink. The Netherlands are in the same Nations League group as Germany, Serbia and Greece, so the withdrawals came at an awkward moment for the national team — but it is the reaction in the Italian capital that will be scrutinised most closely.

Roma have leaned heavily on Malen in the opening weeks of the campaign, and his absence from international duty immediately raised concerns among supporters who have watched him carry much of the attacking burden. The striker has scored six goals in five Serie A appearances, a return that has made him one of the most productive forwards in the early part of the season.

Xavi Plays Down Concerns

Netherlands coach Xavi addressed the situation in his press conference, confirming how the injury occurred and offering a broadly positive assessment of the striker's condition.

“Malen left the field with an injury during the match between Roma and Inter on Saturday,” Xavi explained. “It's a pity, because Donyell is in splendid form, but it happened at the last moment, much like with Kluivert. That's football, you have to adapt.”

When pressed for specifics on the nature of the problem, the Netherlands manager did not appear alarmed. “I believe Donyell is ok, it's not too bad. I don't know how long it will take to recover.”

That uncertainty over a return date is the key detail for Roma. Xavi's comments suggest the issue is manageable, but the absence of a clear timeline means the club will need to assess the striker themselves before making any decisions about the coming fixtures.

Right-Knee Fatigue Reported

Further detail on the problem has come from Corriere dello Sport, which reports that the issue is specifically in Malen's right knee. Crucially, the Italian outlet indicates the problem is believed to be nothing more than fatigue rather than a structural injury.

If that assessment holds, Roma's medical staff will likely manage the striker's workload rather than prepare for a lengthy absence. Fatigue-related complaints can still require careful handling, particularly for a player who has started the season at such a high intensity, but they are generally resolved with rest and a tailored training programme rather than extended rehabilitation.

The timing is far from ideal for Roma. Malen left the field during Saturday's match against Inter, and the club must now decide whether he is fit enough to feature in their next outing. Any period on the sidelines would test the depth of a squad that has become heavily dependent on his goals.

Wesley Also Withdraws From Brazil Duty

Malen is not the only Roma player to have pulled out of international commitments. Wesley also had to withdraw from the Brazil side due to a muscular issue, adding to a growing list of fitness concerns at the club during the international break.

Two withdrawals in the same window will inevitably sharpen the focus on Roma's medical and conditioning staff, though the early messaging around Malen in particular has been reassuring. The Netherlands' decision to call up replacements was a procedural move once the players were ruled out, not necessarily an indication of long-term problems.

For Roma, the coming days will be about assessment. The club will monitor Malen's knee, determine whether the fatigue diagnosis is accurate, and decide how to manage a player whose form has been central to their start to the season. Supporters hoping for a swift return will take encouragement from Xavi's relaxed tone, even as they wait for a definitive timeline from the club itself.

The wider picture is a familiar one in modern football: a packed fixture calendar, an international window arriving at an inconvenient moment, and clubs holding their breath over their most important players. Roma's reliance on Malen makes that anxiety more acute than most. If the injury is indeed no more than fatigue, the situation should resolve quickly — but until Roma confirm a return date, the striker's availability will remain the story that matters most in the Italian capital.