Xavi on Malen’s absence: “It’s a shame, he’s in excellent form. I don’t think the injury is a serious one.” | OneFootball

Donyell Malen is unable to make it and is forced to decline Xavi’s call-up.

The new Netherlands coach had called up the Giallorossi number 14 for the Oranje matches, but due to a minor injury, the Giallorossi striker is forced to remain at Trigoria.

Xavi himself, in a press conference, expressed his disappointment at the absence of the former Aston Villa and Borussia Dortmund striker, among others.

“It’s a shame because Donyell is in excellent form. He had to withdraw at the last minute, but that’s football. I think Donyell is fine. I don’t know how long it will take him to recover, but the injury isn’t serious,” Xavi said.

Having scored six goals in the first five Serie A matches, Malen will remain at Trigoria ahead of Roma’s return to action on October 11th in Como. But how is the striker doing? Fulvio Bernardini reported a slight discomfort in his left knee.

His recovery time should be short, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, we should see him back on the pitch at the Sinigaglia stadium in the sixth matchday of the season against Cesc Fabregas’ Como, who suffered a surprise defeat yesterday against the surprise package Frosinone.