Roma and Belgium defender Thomas Vermaelen could require surgery for his on-going sports hernia.
The centre-back arrived on loan from Barcelona this summer, but has managed just three games – one of them lasting only 41 minutes before he was sent off in the Champions League preliminary round at Porto.
While injuries are nothing new to the 30-year-old, this sports hernia has been dragging on since early September.
Roma and Belgium defender Thomas Vermaelen could require surgery for his on-going sports hernia.
The centre-back arrived on loan from Barcelona this summer, but has managed just three games – one of them lasting only 41 minutes before he was sent off in the Champions League preliminary round at Porto.
While injuries are nothing new to the 30-year-old, this sports hernia has been dragging on since early September.
According to the Corriere dello Sport newspaper, Roma called in several specialists to discuss the situation and it is becoming clear surgery may well be necessary.
If that does happen, Vermaelen will be sent back to Barcelona in January for the rehabilitation process.
Although the Giallorossi did not pay for the loan, they are still paying for his wages.