"To put it mildly, it's bad. But unfortunately I think it's very, very bad," an ashen-faced Jose Mourinho groaned during a post-match press conference in reference to Paulo Dybala's injury. The renowned Roma coach just guided his resilient side to a hard-fought 2-1 win over Lecce on Sunday, but he was in no mood to celebrate.  

Mourinho's most trusted player Dybala was left clutching his leg after converting a match-winning penalty for Roma. The Argentina star was then forced off and was spotted looking traumatic on the bench with an ice pack strapped to his thigh.  

"I am not a doctor, but in my experience, and speaking to Paulo, it's unlikely we'll see him again this year," added Mourinho. 

Medical tests on Monday confirmed that Dybala suffered a serious injury to his left quadriceps and could be out for four or even eight weeks. With the 2022 World Cup just six weeks away, it is highly likely that the 28-year-old will miss the flight to Qatar. 

Dybala has struggled with injuries in recent years, but he had a fantastic start to his Roma career. Since his arrival at the famed capital club this season, Dybala has netted seven goals in 11 matches, as well as notching two assists.  

Roma legend Rudi Voller had high praise for Dybala and even hailed him as "one of the most important signings in Roma history" during an interview with Corriere dello Sport last week.

"The fans were waiting for a big hit and he arrived," said Voller. "He is fulfilling expectations. If Paulo is physically well, he can be devastating with that exceptional left foot. I hope he can continue like this and not have any physical problems." 

However, the worst of Voller's fears has come true.  

Dybala's latest injury will deprive Roma of their best player and force Mourinho to make major tactical changes. The likes of Tammy Abraham and Andrea Belotti will have to step out to take on the scoring responsibility.

As for Argentina, Dybala's possible absence will be a loss to Lionel Scaloni's team, who remained unbeaten since July 2019 and head into the World Cup as one of the title favorites. Despite playing as understudy to their legendary captain Lionel Messi, Dybala can make a big impact off the bench. He scored Argentina's third goal against Italy in the Finalissima earlier this year. 

Scaloni is expected to name his World Cup squad later this month.  

Meanwhile, Roma's home Olympic Stadium will host a "match for peace" on November 14 in tribute to Argentina football great Diego Maradona, who died of heart failure in November 2020. 

According to a video published by the organizers on Monday night, Mourinho, Messi, Italian World Cup winner Gianluigi Buffon and Brazilian icon Ronaldinho will be in a star-studded lineup.