Paraguay’s Julio Enciso stretchered off less than a week before World Cup opener against USMNT | OneFootball

According to NY Times, Paraguay forward Julio Enciso was stretchered off in tears less than a week before their World Cup opener against the USMNT.

The 22-year-old left in the 25th minute of Friday’s four-goal victory over Nicaragua, Paraguay’s final warm-up before the finals.

Head coach Gustavo Alfaro said Enciso will undergo tests and that he is hopeful the problem was caused by impact rather than a muscular issue.

Alfaro explained that the forward initially felt a tight hamstring after one hit, then a further blow around his waist affected the quadriceps area. He said he had urged Enciso to come off after the first knock, but the player briefly felt it loosening before the second impact.

Enciso scored 12 goals this season for French side Strasbourg, and previously made 57 Premier League appearances for Brighton & Hove Albion and Ipswich Town.

Paraguay face the USMNT at SoFi Stadium on Friday, June 12, then meet Türkiye on June 19 before concluding against Australia on June 25. Alfaro said they hope Enciso can be ready for the opener, with his availability dependent on the assessment.

Source: NY Times