Rick Karsdorp's introduction to Roma fans this season was halted while he dealt with a series of niggling fitness issues.
Now, after finally making his debut in Wednesday's 1-0 defeat of Crotone, he faces an extended spell on the sidelines after rupturing the cruciate ligament in his left knee.
The 22-year-old was forced off 82 minutes into the midweek Serie A meeting with the twisted knee and is now set to familarise himself with current treatment room residents Emerson and Kostas Manolas in the Italian capital.
Right-back Karsdorp joined Roma in late June from Feyenoord for a fee upwards of €19 million after add-ons. He may be unavailable until the latter days of the season with a setback similar to the one that left Arkadiusz Milik out of commission for Napoli for around four months of last season.