Argentina handed Paulo Dybala injury boost ahead of the World Cup

Paulo Dybala has not made any appearance for Roma since coming off injured after scoring a penalty against Lecce in October.

Initially, Jose Mourinho was concerned, claiming that the Argentinian playmaker would not return to action before 2023. In that case, he would’ve missed the upcoming World Cup for Argentina, considered a potential favourite to lift the title in Qatar later this year. 

But now, with Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni confirming that La Joya has made steady improvement to regain his fitness ahead of the World Cup, it is likely that the former Juventus man would get a chance to represent his nation in the global extravaganza.

Speaking to Argentinian outlet TyC Sports (via Forza Roma), Scaloni said, “Dybala is in the final phase of his recovery. He can return in the last game.”

The coach added: 

“We are worried about the injured. It doesn’t matter if they arrive with tempo or not, it matters whether they arrive healthy. The idea is that whoever is able to play gets on the plane.”

Since joining Roma on a free transfer in the summer transfer window of 2022, Dybala has made 11 appearances, having notched up seven goals and two assists across all competitions. The injury to his left rectus femoris has kept the 28-year-old out of three Serie A matches thus far.

GIFN | Jyotirmoy Halder