dpa
Rome
Paulo Dybala injured himself on Sunday night while converting a penalty for Roma amid fears that the Argentina midfielder could be sidelined for a longer period and miss the World Cup.
Dybala injured his left thigh when he netted Roma’s 2-1 Serie A winner over Lecce from the spot. He limped as he celebrated with team-mates and was then substituted.
Italian reports said that examinations Tuesday are to determine the nature of the injury and how long Dybala would be sidelined. The World Cup in Qatar starts on November 20.
Roma coach Jose Mourinho said he was not too optimistic that Dybala could play again this year.
"I’ll say it’s not looking good, rather than say it’s looking bad.
Unfortunately, it’s probably looking closer to bad than it is to not good,” he said.
"I am not a doctor and I have not talked with the doctor but, from experience and from what I’ve understood from speaking with Paulo, it’s difficult (to see him play again in 2022).”