Forward Julio Enciso was stretchered off in tears during Paraguay's 4-0 friendly win over Nicaragua, leaving the 22-year-old's World Cup involvement in doubt days before the opener against the USA.
Paraguay's World Cup build-up took a worrying turn when forward Julio Enciso was carried off on a stretcher during Friday's 4-0 warm-up win over Nicaragua, casting immediate doubt over the 22-year-old's availability for the tournament.
Enciso went down in the 25th minute and left the pitch visibly distressed, according to BBC Sport and reporting carried by AOL. It is a blow for a Paraguay side preparing to face hosts the United States in their opener.
Accounts describe a double problem: an initial knock to his side, followed by an issue in his lower back that affected his quadriceps. Paraguay head coach Gustavo Alfaro struck a cautious note afterwards.
Hopefully it's nothing serious and just the result of an impact, and that we can keep him and get him back to full fitness.
Several outlets report Enciso could be sidelined for around two to three weeks. That estimate is, for now, drawn from media reporting rather than a formal medical bulletin from the federation — so it should be read as a guide, not a confirmed diagnosis. A precise timeline will likely only follow scans.
If the longer end of that range proves accurate, Enciso would be a major doubt for Paraguay's second group fixture against Türkiye, with his status for the USA opener also uncertain. Paraguay will not want to rush one of their most influential attackers back at the cost of a more serious setback.
#12 goals, 9 assists in 42 games for Strasbourg, 2025-26. Source: AOL / Türkiye Today
Enciso, formerly of Brighton, enjoyed a productive first season at French club Strasbourg and was a regular through Paraguay's qualifying campaign. Reporting puts his market value at around €25m, level with Paraguay midfielder Diego Gómez — underlining how much creative responsibility the pair carry for Alfaro's side.
Paraguay have depth, but few players who can produce a moment from nothing the way Enciso can. Losing that for any length of time narrows their margin in a group where every result counts.
For now, the watchword is patience. The scans will tell the real story — and Paraguay supporters will be hoping their coach's optimism is borne out.
Kickoff Scores is an independent publication and is not affiliated with FIFA.
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