Paulo Dybala ‘to miss World Cup’ after freak penalty injury

Dybala is not expected to play for Roma again this year

Argentina's preparations for the Qatar World Cup have been dealt a blow with the news Paulo Dybala looks likely to miss the tournament after picking up a freak injury while taking a penalty for Roma. Dybala's converted a spot kick early in the second half of the win against Lecce on Sunday proved to be the winning goal for Jose Mourinho's side, who claimed a 2-1 victory. The 28-year-old pulled up immediately after scoring the penalty and was substituted almost straight away, watching the remainder of the game from the bench with a pack of ice strapped to his left thigh.

Mourinho on Dybala's injury

Asked about the injury after the game, Mourinho suggested Dybala would not feature for his club until next year, casting doubt on his chances of being on the plane to Qatar with Argentina.

"I say [Dybala is] bad, not to say very, very bad," he told DAZN. "Unfortunately, it is more very bad than [just] bad.

"I’m not a doctor and I haven’t spoken to one, but from my experience, from what I understood from talking to Paulo, it [will be] difficult."

Argentina one of the favourites heading to Qatar

Some reports have already claimed Dybala is set to miss out on the tournament. Argentina are amongst the favourites to win their first World Cup since 1986 in Qatar, having beaten Brazil to win the Copa America last year. The tournament begins on November 20, with Lionel Scaloni's side beginning their campaign two days later against Saudi Arabia. They have also been drawn in a group with Mexico and Poland. More football news:

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