Juventus are optimistic that star Paulo Dybala will be fit to face Roma after the international break.
The Argentine was reduced to tears as he trudged off the Allianz Stadium turf after picking up an injury in Juve’s 3-2 victory over Sampdoria last month. His issue, however, wasn’t as serious as initially feared. Dybala’s thigh strain saw him miss the victories over Chelsea and Torino, but he’s expected to return after the international break.
Argentina were initially keen to include La Joya in the squad for their October fixtures before it was decided that the player would remain in Turin and continue his recovery with the Bianconeri.
Sky Sport Italia (via Football Italia) recently reported that Dybala’s recovery was going better than expected after he returned to light training at Continassa on Wednesday. According to Romeo Agresti, there’s “increasing optimism” that Dybala will be fit to face Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma on October 17.
Despite their success in his absence, La Joya’s return is a major boost for Massimiliano Allegri’s side. Before his injury, Dybala had started the season brightly, notching four goal contributions in five Serie A appearances and scoring in his sole Champions League start against Malmo.
How about Dybala’s contract?
There’s an air of inevitability surrounding Dybala’s contract situation. His current deal, which expires next summer, is expected to be extended until 2025.
Agresti reported earlier this week that the player’s agent, Jorge Antun, returned to Argentina after holding further talks with the club’s hierarchy. A deal is said to be all but agreed, with confirmation hopefully arriving later this month.
Dybala’s new deal could see him earn €9m-a-year. Talks of the Argentine demanding a salary in excess of €15m are nonsense. Instead, it’s understood that the player wanted to see “the basics of the new technical project” under Allegri before penning an extension.
Morata to miss Roma
Alvaro Morata, who also picked up an injury in the Sampdoria victory, isn’t expected to return to action straight after the international break.
Morata’s hamstring injury is slightly more serious than Dybala’s thigh problem. Although there’s hope the Spaniard will be fit for Juve’s Champions League trip to Zenit on October 20.
It’s a crucial period for Morata, with Juventus supposedly eyeing a move for Dusan Vlahovic next year. He must continue to prove his worth for the Bianconeri once he returns to Allegri’s XI.