Argentina and AS Roma have been handed a blow as they prepare for key fixtures at the business end of the season. Star winger Paulo Dybala will miss the action during AS Roma’s key Serie A fixture against Sassuolo on Sunday (Mar 17) while he will also stay away from Argentina’s squad for their friendlies against El Salvador and Costa Rica. His miss will be a blow for both sides with key matches to come in the Serie A, Europa League and Copa America build up.
Paulo Dybala Injury
Confirmed on Saturday (Mar 16), Dybala has suffered a minor injury to his right abductor muscle, reports Sky Sport. The injury comes a couple of days after Roma booked their place in the quarterfinal of the Europa League. The team from the Italian capital is on a hunt for a third consecutive Europa final while they are also firmly in the race to reach the Champions League from the Serie A. Dybala will be a key member of the squad having been an important part of the team in both Jose Mourinho and Daniele De Rossi’s time.
So far this campaign, Dybala has scored 12 Serie A goals while also scoring one each in the Copa Italia and Europa League. Alongside his goals, he also has seven assists to his name which makes him one of the important members of the AS Roma side.
Also Read: AS Roma plan future with newly-appointed interim coach Daniele De Rossi
AS Roma’s quest for glory
Not in the race to win the Serie A, but Roma could end the season as one of the best in the club’s history if results go their way. Despite sacking former manager Mourinho, they could yet win the Europa League and finish in the top four. A top-five finish could also work in their favour with Serie A almost guaranteed five spots in the Champions League next season.
Currently, in Serie A De Rossi’s side is fifth having taken over the side when they were in the eighth place. From 28 Serie A matches, Roma have 48 points with 14 wins and six draws in the Italian top flight. If Serie A is guaranteed a fifth spot in the Champions League next season, Roma are in the driving seat.
On the flip side, Roma could end up winning the Europa League where they have a good chance of winning the tournament. Their road, however, goes through familiar opponents where they take on AC Milan in the quarterfinal and could land Atlanta as potential opponents in the final if a particular set of results is achieved.
Also Read: UEFA Europa League: Liverpool faces Atalanta, Bayer Leverkusen to lock horns against West Ham United