With exactly one month to go until the start of Copa America, the defending champions Argentina have released their provisional 29-man squad. And to everyone’s surprise, the list excludes Paulo Dybala.
The 30-year-old midfielder enjoyed another outstanding spell for his club side, AS Roma, scoring 16 and assisting 10 times. However, his 38 in-form club appearances and three Serie A Player of the Month awards weren’t enough to sway Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni, who has had second thoughts about Dybala’s recent muscle injury.
“La Joya” also plays in the shadow of the legendary Lionel Messi—nobody’s playing over one of the great number 10s. Barring injury, one still thinks Dybala makes the team on pure class alone as a vital creator and playmaker.
Manchester United teenage sensation Alejandro Garnacho gets the alternative offensive call-up instead. Despite recuperating from a calf injury, Red Devils teammate Lisandro Martinez also gets the nod. Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, rehabbing from a groin injury, also makes the squad.
Argentina faces Guatemala and Ecuador in the United States on June 9 and 14, respectively. Three players will be dropped to make a 26-player roster before the start of the tournament on June 20.
Photo: instagram/paulodybala, garnacho7
