Less than a week before Paraguay kicks off its World Cup campaign against the United States at SoFi Stadium, the mood around the team flipped from party to panic. Star attacker Julio Enciso was stretchered off in tears after a painful collision during a 4-0 warm-up win over Nicaragua on Friday night, turning what was supposed to be a festive home send-off into an anxious watch-and-wait. Paraguay's staff moved quickly to arrange scans ahead of the June 12 opener in Los Angeles.
Coach: "double trauma" to the flank and the waist
Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro described the incident as a "double trauma," explaining that Enciso took one hit to his side and another to his waist, which appeared to send pain shooting into his quadriceps. The team is waiting on imaging to learn whether it is just a heavy knock or something more serious, like a muscle tear. According to ABC Color, Alfaro said Enciso initially tried to stay on the field before medical staff insisted he come off.
Warm-up win dampened by medical scare
On the scoreboard, Paraguay cruised to a 4-0 win over Nicaragua as Alfaro used the friendly to fine-tune his likely starting shape. The night soured around the 25th minute, when Enciso exited after the collision, and the focus shifted from tactics to his condition. Alejandro Romero scored from the penalty spot, and Miguel Almirón, Matías Galarza, and Alexandro Maidana added goals to complete the rout. AS reported that Enciso left the pitch on a stretcher and was visibly emotional as medics wheeled him away.
Enciso's form raises the stakes
Enciso, 22, has become one of Paraguay's most dangerous attacking threats since his move to Europe. He joined Strasbourg last September and hit a career-best 12 goals this season, so his status for the group opener is no small detail. The winger has also made 57 appearances in England with Brighton and Ipswich, and his absence would force Alfaro to reshuffle his attacking options, per BBC Sport.
Tests due; availability for June 12 opener uncertain
Alfaro said Enciso will undergo immediate scans and made it clear he is hoping for an impact injury rather than a muscular problem. Paraguay's medical staff is expected to share more information in the coming days as the squad wraps up preparations and travels to the United States. The New York Times noted the coach's remarks as the team now turns its attention to Los Angeles and the June 12 opener at SoFi Stadium. SoFi Stadium lists the United States vs. Paraguay clash on its World Cup schedule.
