Boost for Sarri as Untouchable Lazio Star Ready Return to Starting Lineup

Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri could be able to rely on Toma Basic as a starter once more this weekend in Cagliari.

The Background

The Croatian has been a key player for the Biancocelesti since he got reinstated into the squad at the start of the season. Sarri went on to laud him as an ‘untouchable’ player in his tactical jigsaw. However, the 29-year-old picked up a knock during the 2-2 draw against Juventus in Turin a couple of weeks back, so he went on to miss the Coppa Italia tie against Bologna and Saturday’s defeat to Atalanta.

But according to Il Messaggero, Basic has returned to training with the squad on Wednesday, and he should be able to recover his fitness by Saturday, when he’s expected to take the field as a starter against Cagliari in Sardinia.

Toma Basic Back in Lazio Starting XI

As the Roman newspaper explains, Sarri is keen to field the former Bordeaux player as soon as possible, not only because of his importance to the team, but also due to Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s unconvincing displays. The Nigerian filled in for Basic in recent matches, but aside from providing the assist for Tijjani Noslin’s equalizer in Bologna, his impact has been minimal.

Mario Gila Ruled Out Against Cagliari

On another note, Mario Gila conducted tests on Tuesday that confirmed the inflammation in his tendon. The Spanish defender will be rested for at least one match. Sarri is thus expected to resort to the left-footed pairing of Alessio Romagnoli and Oliver Provstgaard.

Mattia Zaccagni & Manuel Lazzari Edging Closer to Return

As for Mattia Zaccagni and Manuel Lazzari, they are expected to undergo tests in the coming hours to determine their conditions. However, their returns will likely be delayed for Lazio’s away contest against Torino on March 1.

Samuel Gigot Out for the Season?

Finally, Samuel Gigot is still struggling with pain in his surgically repaired ankle. The source believes the French defender could end the season without making a single appearance on the pitch.