La Joya’s absence will be felt as Argentina gears up for a crucial set of CONMEBOL qualifiers, with an injury that will keep him sidelined for an extended period. The national team faces a demanding schedule in the South American Qualifiers for 2026, and the ahead-of-schedule setback adds a layer of challenge for the Albiceleste. The selection will rely on other attacking options to maintain the momentum built by recent campaigns, while fans hope for a swift return for the talismanic forward who has long been a spark in the forward line.
In the looming fixtures, Argentina is slated to host Paraguay and Peru on consecutive matchdays. On October 12, the team will welcome the Albirroja to Buenos Aires in a stadium that reverberates with memories of earlier battles, and on October 17 they are set to travel to Lima for a tricky away test. These matches are pivotal as Argentina pursues early qualification and solid footing in a competitive group, aiming to sustain their standing atop the standings and build confidence ahead of later rounds.
The setback extends beyond a single absence. The squad will not be able to count on Paulo Dybala for these fixtures, a development that narrows the attacking options available to coach Lionel Scaloni during a critical stretch of the campaign. The loss of a player of Dybala’s experience and goal threat could influence tactical plans and the balance of the lineup as the team looks to capitalize on depth in the squad and the collective performance of the group.
When does the Argentina national team play and how does the schedule shape the season for the world champions? The 2023 calendar has not slowed down for the Albiceleste, who continue to navigate a demanding series of international commitments while also juggling domestic fixtures and player availability. The management and supporters will be watching closely as the team strides toward the next cycle, balancing preparation with the need to deliver results on the field.
WHY NOT PLAY DYBALA AGAINST PARAGUAY
La Joya did not receive a call-up for the Paraguay match due to an injury sustained in the Serie A encounter where Cagliari faced Roma. The forward from Córdoba left the field in tears, requesting a substitution around the half-hour mark as his team pressed for an important result. Medical evaluations later confirmed a mild knee collateral ligament strain, a setback that is expected to keep him out for about a month. The recovery window places his return somewhere between late October and early November, depending on how the rehabilitation progresses and the medical staff’s assessment of his readiness.
Such an absence shapes the national team’s approach in the immediate term, prompting Scaloni to explore other configurations in attack and to call on players who can replicate some of Dybala’s creativity, movement, and goal threat. The tempo of training camps and match preparations must adapt quickly to ensure that results remain within reach while the roster adjusts to this temporary gap in the forward line, with the aim of maintaining performance levels across the qualification campaign.
In the broader context, Argentina’s plans for the next fixtures emphasize resilience, squad depth, and the ability of different players to contribute in key moments. The coaching staff will likely emphasize link-up play, tactical flexibility, and finishing efficiency as the team navigates the absence of a star forward and continues to pursue qualification targets with determination and discipline. Fans and analysts alike will be watching for strategic adjustments and the emergence of new contributors who can step up when called upon.
Notes from the recent developments highlight the importance of staying focused on the long view. While Dybala’s absence is painful for the immediate games, the team’s overall approach remains geared toward building momentum, leveraging collective strength, and sustaining high levels of performance across the qualifying phase. The road ahead includes opportunities for other players to showcase their impact, while the coaching staff remains committed to a cohesive plan that can adapt to evolving circumstances, with the ultimate aim of securing Argentina’s place in the next stage of the competition.
All updates reflect the situation as reported by reliable outlets covering Argentine football and international fixtures, with ongoing assessments from the medical team and coaching staff continuing to shape the narrative of the Albiceleste during this period.