Soccer

Paulo Dybala’s presence at World Cup in doubt

Despite scoring the winner for Roma against Lecce, Paulo Dybala limped from the pitch during the Serie A contest with fears that he may miss the 2022 World Cup.

Italia
FABIO FRUSTACIEFE

Alarm bells are sounding in Rome and also resonating with the Argentina national side after Paulo Dybala limped out of Roma’s Serie A clash against Lecce at the Olimpico on Sunday.

The Argentine bagged the winning goal from the penalty spot as part of a hardfought 2-1 win but began to limp and clutch his left thigh in the immediate aftermath of his goal, and appeared to be in tears on the bench after being subbed by Mourinho.

Speaking about Dybala’s condition after the win, Roma head coach Jose Mourinho told DAZN: “I say bad, but I think very, very bad. I am not a doctor, but in my experience, and after speaking to Paulo, it’s unlikely we’ll see him this year.”

Early reports suggest the striker could be ruled out from four-six weeks with this time frame casting doubt on his presence with the national side in Qatar.

Paulo Dybala of AS Roma NurPhotoGetty

Dybala is expected to undergo tests on Tuesday which will help determine the exact nature of the injury and a tentative recovery period can then be discussed with deeper insight. There was some glimmer of light for the player however with reports in the Italian press on Monday hinting that the injury may not be as serious as initially feared.

Most viewed

More news