Paulo Dybala will miss the World Cup as the Argentina ace suffers a ‘very serious’ muscle injury while scoring a penalty for Roma

TEARS FULL Paulo Dybala could miss the World Cup after an unusual injury when he scored Roma’s penalty against Lecce on Sunday.

Roma coach Jose Mourinho believes the Argentina striker has a “very bad” muscle problem that could see him sidelined until 2023.

Ex-Juventus hero Dybala, 28, was holding on to the left leg he used to score his penalty in the 48th minute.

Teammates who rushed over to congratulate him soon showed their concern as he grimaced and continued to hold his thigh.

He limped away and was substituted immediately.

Mourinho said: “The injury looks very bad. I would say bad but honestly after speaking to Paulo… I think very bad.”

Dybala is expected to undergo a medical on Monday – less than seven weeks before the start of the World Cup in Qatar.

Former Manchester United defender Chris Smalling had given Roma an early lead.

Lecce midfielder Mortan Hjulmand soon picked up a direct red card – via VAR – for a late tackle on Andrea Belotti.

But Gabriel Strefezza soon stunned Roma by beating Lecce’s level.

Mourinho fielded Tammy Abraham and Leonardo Spinazzola for the second period.

And England hopeful Abraham was soon circumcised by Kristoffer Askildsen, allowing Dybala to score the decisive goal – as his last lucky moment of the evening.

It’s just the latest injury problem for the 28-year-old – although until Sunday he appeared to be enjoying one of his best seasons for fitness