Roma are without Miralem Pjanic and Gervinho against Atalanta, said Rudi Garcia, but is not worried by Lazio.
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“Seydou Keita can be called up, even if he is not 100 per cent fit, as he responded well in training. He is an extra resource with all these absentees,” said the Coach in a Press conference.
“Pjanic and Gervinho are not ready yet.”
Roma are without Miralem Pjanic and Gervinho against Atalanta, said Rudi Garcia, but is not worried by Lazio.
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“Seydou Keita can be called up, even if he is not 100 per cent fit, as he responded well in training. He is an extra resource with all these absentees,” said the Coach in a Press conference.
“Pjanic and Gervinho are not ready yet.”
Daniele De Rossi and Kostas Manolas sit out bans, while Douglas Maicon is also still nowhere to be seen.
“I am not without alternatives, as we have Carlos Paredes, Salih Ucan and Alessandro Florenzi. It’s best to play with those who are 100 per cent fit and I am not worried by the midfield.
“Francesco Totti trained well and is alright now. We know that when he is close to 100 per cent, he’s an extra treasure for our Roma.
“The problem with Maicon is that he takes one step forward and two steps back. He has a delicate problem with his knee and at the moment we must be concentrated on those who can play tomorrow.
“There are many absentees, but they must not be an alibi. We still have the quality to win.”
Atalanta had been on a negative streak for two months, but broke that last week by beating Sassuolo 2-1. Does Garcia fear Edy Reja’s men will clam up in defence?
“I don’t fear anything, I simply respect Atalanta. Their attitude is their choice, while we have to make life difficult for them by playing good football and stay solid at the back.”
Roma are out of the top two for the first time since Garcia took over in the summer of 2013, so how will they react to being leapfrogged by rivals Lazio?
“I have not heard any of my players talking about the leapfrog. The only thing that matters is winning our games, then we’ll see what results come in elsewhere. Our only alternative is victory.”
This evening Lazio take on leaders Juventus, so who is Garcia cheering on?
“I support Roma and our need to win against Atalanta. Juventus are a great side and this evening could put a lock on the Scudetto. Whatever the result tonight, it won’t change anything for us.
“The derby is a long way off and the only thing that counts is our next match. Atalanta are a difficult side to face and I want to see a hungry Roma.”