AS Roma star Paulo Dybala’s hopes of playing in the World Cup 2022 appear to be in jeopardy after he suffered an injury against Lecce.
The Argentine forward had to be taken off straight away after scoring Roma’s second goal from the penalty spot when he felt pain in his left thigh.
Dybala was in tears while receiving treatment on the bench.
Giallorossi manager Jose Mourinho has also cast doubts on Dybala’s injury, claiming that the former Juventus star might not return until 2023, thus potentially languishing his chances for the World Cup in Qatar.
Following the 2-1 victory over Lecce, the Portuguese gaffer told DAZN: “I mean [ Dybala’s injury] bad not to say very, very bad. It is more very bad.
“Return before 2023? I am not a doctor, but from experience, as far as I spoke with Dybala, it is difficult.”
The 28-year-old missed the recent clash against Atalanta due to muscular problems he sustained during the warm-up ahead of the game.
Dybala’s injury record has worsened in recent years, and it was seen as one of the shortcomings when Giallorossi signed him on a free transfer in the summer despite his world-class quality.
Sky Sport Italia speculates that Dybala has injured the quadriceps on his left thigh, and if it is a second-degree injury, his rehabilitation period could be around a month.
The setback serves as a big blow for Mourinho’s side, as Dybala has been in impressive form this term, racking up seven goals and two assists in 11 games.
