Roshan Nayak

Paulo Dybala Injury Timeline: Why He Keeps Missing Argentina Call-Ups

Argentina National Football Team, AS Roma, Paulo Dybala

Just when it appeared like Paulo Dybala was finally about to have his moment again with the Argentina national team, another painful twist has arrived at the worst possible time for him.

Italian media reported that the Roma forward injured himself when taking a penalty in the game against AC Milan, not because someone kicked him but he actually hurt himself while taking the penalty exactly as Argentina’s squad announcement for the upcoming international window is expected to be announced this week.

There were already whispers and strong rumours that Lionel Scaloni was seriously considering bringing Dybala back into the group again. He’s been fit recently, he’s been decisive for Roma, and there was a notion that this camp may finally be the one where he returned completely into the international circuit again.

This has been Paulo Dybala’s story for over two years now. No major season-ending injuries, such as ACLs or broken bones. However, these minor but severe muscular disorders always occur at the worst possible time for him. Dybala’s name is frequently mentioned in discussions about Argentina’s upcoming squad list, leading fans to wonder if he will be called up. Then another minor injury happens, and he is in doubt for the call-up once again.

It took place before to the 2022 World Cup. He was nearly ruled out of Qatar at the time after suffering a quadriceps injury in October when taking a penalty for Roma at that time too. He was ultimately chosen, but until Scaloni utilised him in the final game, he was essentially unavailable for the whole competition. For Dybala, that was supposed to be the turning point that brought a new era with the national team.

Yet, the same trend persisted.

Then, he missed the September 2023 World Cup Qualifiers with an injury to his right hip. Again, he missed the October 2023 World Cup qualifiers this time, due to a sprained knee which he suffered while playing against Cagliari at the time. He isn’t a season-long injury prone player. He participates in a lot of Roma games. But he is always killed by the timing at the wrong time. He was supposed to return for the March 2024 friendlies, but an adductor issue kept him off the roster this time.

Now here we are again in late 2025, and the cycle has repeated.

It is like a strange curse which you can’t explain.

When used often, the word “unlucky” in football becomes lazy. However, that seems almost true in Paulo Dybala’s example. When it comes to injuries occurring at the worst times, he may be among the world’s most unfortunate players.

Because it goes beyond injuries. It’s their timing.

Sadly, this most recent development just serves to prolong that agonising story once more for Dybala, at a time when everything appeared to be set for a return to the national squad again.

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