Roma’s Kone forced off in 17 minutes against Real Madrid as Mbappe and France teammates console him

· FootballItalia

Roma suffered a blow in their Champions League clash with Real Madrid as Manu Kone...

Roma suffered a blow in their Champions League clash with Real Madrid as Manu Kone was forced off after just 17 minutes with an apparent muscle problem.

The France international pulled up at the Stadio Olimpico and could not continue, with Niccolò Pisilli sent on in his place.

It is a significant setback for Gian Piero Gasperini, who has made Kone a cornerstone of his midfield.

Kone’s international colleagues in the Real Madrid side were quick to come to his aid. France captain Kylian Mbappé consoled the midfielder as he received treatment, while Ibrahima Konaté and Aurélien Tchouaméni also checked he was okay.

The latest problem extends a frustrating run of fitness issues for the 25-year-old. Last season he suffered a second-degree thigh strain against Milan in January and a second-degree hamstring tear against Bologna in March . He also asked to be substituted with a physical problem at Fenerbahçe on Champions League matchday one.

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