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Juventus handed huge Paulo Dybala injury boost

By James Cormack

TURIN, ITALY - NOVEMBER 06: Paulo Dybala of Juventus FC reacts during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and ACF Fiorentina at Allianz Stadium on November 6, 2021 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY - NOVEMBER 06: Paulo Dybala of Juventus FC reacts during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and ACF Fiorentina at Allianz Stadium on November 6, 2021 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images) /
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Juventus have been handed a huge boost ahead of Saturday’s trip to Lazio with tests revealing that Paulo Dybala hasn’t sustained a muscle injury.

There were initially serious concerns over Dybala, who was forced off at half-time during Argentina’s 1-0 win over Uruguay last Friday with a calf problem. Juve’s creator missed the stalemate with Brazil on Tuesday night and arrived back in Turin on Wednesday to undergo tests at J-Medical.

While it didn’t appear that the playmaker has picked up a major problem, his status for Saturday’s trip to Lazio was in serious doubt.

Dybala has been the key man for Massimiliano Allegri’s Bianconeri this term. The recently turned 28-year-old has notched a team-high six goal contributions in nine Serie A appearances.

Dybala will still be assessed ahead of Lazio

Videos emerged online of Dybala arriving at Juventus’ J-Medical Centre on Thursday morning. The player told supporters he was fine, although there was no official word regarding the extent of Dybala’s injury.

However, the reliable Romeo Agresti has since reported that the tests showed no muscle injury to the calf. But, the player’s status for Saturday is still in doubt. Giovanni Albanese adds that the tests instead showed fatigue in the posterior tibial muscle and the Argentine will be assessed daily.

It’ll be decided on Friday whether La Joya travels to Rome for the Matchday 13 bout in Serie A.

Who could step up in Dybala’s absence?

Dejan Kulusevski could be given a chance to shine in Dybala’s potential absence. (Photo by JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty Images)
Dejan Kulusevski could be given a chance to shine in Dybala’s potential absence. (Photo by JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty Images) /

While there’s a possibility of Allegri matching Maurizio Sarri’s 4-3-3 this weekend, it’s expected that the Juve boss will retain his favoured 4-4-2.

Alvaro Morata should continue up top but if Dybala is rested ahead of a crunch week of fixtures, Dejan Kulusevski may be called upon once more to fill the void. The Swede has seen his opportunities limited this term, but Saturday could be a huge chance for him to shine.

Moise Kean is another option after he returned from injury over the international break, while Allegri has deployed Federico Chiesa in the front two already this season when Dybala’s been out.

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