Jose Mourinho has said Paulo Dybala may not feature for Roma again this year as the Argentine is recovering from an injury after Sunday’s 2-1 win over Lecce.
Dybala began to limp and clutch his left thigh after he stroked home the winner from the penalty spot when Gabriel Strefezza cancelled out Chris Smalling’s sixth-minute opener, finding the net for a third successive Serie A game.
He appeared to be in tears on the bench after being withdrawn.
Dybala’s return of six goals in 10 appearances for Roma this term is a team-high tally (in all competitions), but Mourinho could now be without the 28-year-old for a lengthy period.
Asked about Dybala’s condition after the win, 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.”
If Dybala is ruled out for a prolonged period, it would also represent a blow for Argentina ahead of the World Cup, with the forward having won 34 senior caps for the Albiceleste.
👏 @PauDybala_JR 💛❤️ pic.twitter.com/TEAbJFJAou
— AS Roma (@OfficialASRoma) October 9, 2022
Meanwhile, despite Roma staying within a point of Serie A’s top four with the victory, Mourinho was displeased with their game management after the visitors had captain Morten Hjulmand sent off.
“There was fatigue, both physical and mental. Playing Thursdays and Sundays is tough,” Mourinho said. “When I see Udinese and Atalanta [who drew 2-2 earlier on Sunday], I understand that they don’t play midweek.
“We entered very well, with intensity and ambition. After that it was more difficult because we managed it badly; when you are tired, instead of playing simply you complicate things.
“Today we didn’t play well and we won, with Atalanta we played better and we lost [1-0 last month]. We have to manage tiredness better.”