Roma hit by Ferguson controversy as injured striker called up by Ireland

Roma have been left frustrated after striker Evan Ferguson was named in Ireland’s latest international squad despite still recovering from injury.

The 21-year-old suffered a sprained right ankle with ligament involvement just two minutes into Roma’s clash with Parma on October 29, an injury that has kept him sidelined ever since.

Gian Piero Gasperini left him out of the squad for the Europa League match against Rangers, along with Paulo Dybala and Leon Bailey, with the intention of reassessing him only after the international break.

However, Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrímsson has included Ferguson in his squad for two decisive World Cup qualifying fixtures against Portugal and Hungary.

The Giallorossi do not believe he is ready to play, but the Irish staff reportedly want to assess him in person to determine whether he could feature in the second game, as per La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Ferguson’s call-up comes at a difficult moment in his career. Since joining on loan from Brighton in the summer, he has failed to register a single goal or assist, raising concerns over his physical and mental recovery following last year’s cruciate ligament injury.

Gasperini admitted recently that “for the first time, I’ve seen him train well,” suggesting the striker’s fitness has been a long-term issue.

While Ferguson continues to struggle at club level, his record for Ireland remains strong, scoring three goals in four appearances: a key factor behind his surprise inclusion.

Roma, though, are unlikely to be pleased. If the forward’s form does not improve, the club could ask Brighton to revisit the terms of his loan deal in January.