Absences hurting Lazio, says Reja

Edy Reja feels his Lazio team are acquitting themselves well in Serie A despite the injuries affecting squad selection.

Lazio have been without the services of several first-team players at times this season.

Midfielders Cristian Brocchi, Simone Del Nero, Stefano Mauri and Matuzalem are all on the injury list, while defender Andre Dias is also sidelined.

Lazio are without a win from their last three matches in all competitions, but they remain fourth on the table, seven points back from league leaders Juventus.

“The team are doing well at the moment,” Reja said.

“I understand we need to improve. Lazio must always try to get the best result possible, but you also have to take into consideration that the same players have always been playing.”

“Nobody has paid too much attention to Mauri, Brocchi and Matuzalem’s absence.”

“They are midfielders and I could easily make some substitutions with them at my disposal, because when you play every three days, you cannot always play with the same intensity.”

“There are natural drops in their performances.”

“I have to ask for further sacrifices from those who have been playing recently, and ask them to contribute once again, because I cannot substitute anyone.”

“I cannot let anyone rest for a match, in particular those who play in midfield.”

While the league’s other teams have all played this week, Lazio are at home to promoted club Novara on Monday.

And Reja hopes the additional day of rest will allow his players to produce their best at the Stadio Olimpico.

“We had one day more to rest, therefore I hope they will be ready (Monday) so that they can play this match with great determination and with the belief that we can make it and win the match,” he said.

“We can certainly win the game.”