It’s been a busy week in Rome, new information was released pertaining to the new stadium, not to mention the ongoing transfer rumours. However, perhaps lost in this sea of news is the first step to full recovery of two of the club's most important players, Leandro Castan and Kevin Strootman.

A simple picture on Twitter from Castan, showing the two training together, whilst end-of-season vacations are beginning for most, showed a desire to work hard and return better than ever. Each man sent a message of support to the other via Twitter, solidifying the bond and demonstrating a common goal to help contribute next season.

The Brazilian and Dutchman are well known for their tenacity and never-say-die attitude, however there have been times where each could have given in, such has been the severity of their respective injuries. Castan was recently given the all clear to begin training after fears he might never play professionally again. The 28-year-old was diagnosed with a tumour in the brain after complaining of headaches during the start of last season.

Castan has been a vital member of the Giallorossi defence and the one constant after the departures of centre-back partners Marquinhos and Medhi Benatia the past two years. A rock, with fantastic positioning and tackling ability, the Brazilian was sorely missed as the Lupi looked shaky at the back last term. It would of course be foolish to suggest he can come back into the fold better than ever. It will be a long journey, but one you can guarantee he will fight hard to achieve.

Strootman has been in much the same boat, although suffering a very different type of injury. The 25-year-old was arguably the coup of the summer in 2013 in Italy when he signed from PSV. A phenomenal campaign followed, with the Dutch international becoming a vital cog in Roma's machine that took Serie A by storm in 2013-14. However he missed the latter part of the campaign as well as the 2014 World Cup after cruciate ligament damage.

A comeback ensued last season, but after a handful of games he suffered a relapse and had to have more surgery. Strootman, like Castan, could have contemplated a scenario where he might not be able to return. This isn't in his character either and he has been cheering on the club whilst working hard in the gym to come back and re-join his teammates.

The Giallorossi remain cautiously optimistic that both players can enjoy a productive pre-season, working on their fitness in time for 2015-16. There is no guarantee they will return to the vintage form both enjoyed in Roma's record breaking 2013-14 season. Though as people know, these two aren't ordinary athletes, they are united by grit, hard work and the determination to prove they can come back from career threatening injuries.

Image via @l_castan and @Kevin_strootman

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