Relief for Xavi as manager reveals Malen’s injury is not serious

Donyell Malen’s withdrawal from the Netherlands squad may have concerned Roma supporters, but head coach Xavi remains confident the forward is only dealing with a minor issue.

The injury that forced Malen to pull out of Xavi’s first Oranje squad is not too bad, the coach said in a positive update.

Reports have pointed to a knee problem, leaving Giallorossi fans anxious after the Dutchman withdrew. 

Xavi discussed the situation with both Malen and Justin Kluivert and does not believe either injury is serious. Malen has been in sensational form since swapping Aston Villa for the Italian capital in January. 

Since making his Serie A debut on 18 January, he has scored 20 goals in 23 league appearances, at least twice as many as any other player in that period. Tasos Douvikas and Lautaro Martínez are next with 10 apiece.

His sharp touch in front of goal has helped Roma make a flying start to the new campaign under Gian Piero Gasperini. 

The Giallorossi sit top of the table on goal difference heading into the international break. 

Like Scudetto holders Inter, they opened the 2026-27 season with four straight victories, though they let a 2-0 lead slip in Saturday’s head-to-head clash between the top two. Malen played the full 90 minutes in that match.

This term he has already scored six Serie A goals more than any other player, underscoring his importance to Gasperini’s side.

As a result of the setback, Malen will sit out the Netherlands’ Nations League meetings with Serbia (twice) and Greece.

Roma will now monitor his recovery closely, hoping Xavi’s optimistic assessment proves accurate and that their key forward returns fit for the next domestic fixtures.

Supporters will be relieved by the coach’s reassuring tone, yet the coming days will still bring some nervousness until Malen is back training fully with his club.