Roma boss Jose Mourinho has cast doubts over the availability of Paulo Dybala for the upcoming Europa League final.
Dybala has struggled with fitness issues in recent weeks and the Argentine has been in and out of the squad because of those problems. He came on from the bench in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final against Bayer Leverkusen and remained on the bench for the second leg.
Mourinho was recently asked about the situation of La Joya and whether he can be fit for the final in Budapest against Sevilla. The Portuguese stated:
“I think he can’t play. But I also honestly say that the hope is that he can make it to the bench. I’m thinking that it’s the last game of the season, even if we have Spezia after that, but if I think of Paulo, the final is the last game of the season. If Paulo can stay on the bench and can give me 15-20 minutes, I’m already happy.”
Mourinho also added further details about the Argentine’s condition in recent weeks, saying: “We tried to use him. When you think about the final, you think about preparing for the final. Against Salernitana, I thought he could play once, as well as in Bologna. We’re trying to do everything. The truth is, he’s out. He won’t be there again on Saturday.”
Dybala has been an influential force for Roma since joining the club on a free transfer in the summer after his deal with Juventus expired. He has 11 Serie A goals and seven assists in 24 games and he has contributed to five goals in ten Europa League appearances as well, playing only 598 minutes.
Kaustubh Pandey | GIFN
