João Mário
BOLPassable showing against Napoli
Mario (thigh) recorded three tackles (one won), two clearances and two interceptions and drew one foul in Monday's 3-2 victory over Napoli.
Analysis: Mario played about an hour in his return from injury and only contributed in the back. He has been consistently deployed over Nadir Zortea and Lorenzo De Silvestri at the position. He has posted seven crosses (one accurate), four interceptions and five clearances in his last five outings (all starts), with no clean sheets because he often subs off early.
Starting Monday
Mario (thigh) is in the starting XI for Monday's match against Napoli.
Analysis: Mario was already deemed fit for Monday and has done one better, as the defender is also in the starting XI. He has been seeing most of the starts between left-back and right-back this campaign and should remain in this role, starting in all nine appearances since joining the club.
Ready for Napoli tilt
Mario (thigh) returned to full training Wednesday, Bologna announced.
Analysis: Mario will have a few more days to work on his fitness and could potentially start right away, as he's not been out for long. Lorenzo De Silvestri filled in for him last week. He has recorded seven crosses (one accurate), four interceptions and six clearances in his last five displays, with no clean sheets.
Nursing thigh lesion
Mario has been diagnosed with a left biceps femoris strain and will train on the side for a few days, Bologna stated.
Analysis: Mario could miss a couple of fixtures because of his muscular problem, but it's not too severe, and he should be able to return before the end of the campaign. Nadir Zortea and Lorenzo De Silvestri will handle the right-back role while he's out.
Forced off in Roma clash
Mario registered two crosses (zero accurate) and two tackles in 66 minutes before leaving Saturday's contest against Roma because of a possible thigh injury, Gianluca Di Marzio reported.
Analysis: Mario pulled up after a sprint early in the second half and couldn't continue. He'll undergo exams before next Sunday's home game versus Cagliari. He was replaced by Lorenzo Di Silvestri in this one, as Nadir Zortea had already come off the bench to substitute for Juan Miranda on the other flank.
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