A crucial fitness evaluation awaits Paulo Dybala today, with his availability for Atalanta's upcoming matches hanging in the balance. The striker's persistent injury woes have become a major concern for coach Gian Piero Gasperini.
Dybala's return to training last Wednesday raised hopes, but they were dashed when he experienced renewed knee discomfort on Saturday, just before the match against Napoli. This setback has left the player and the club with a tough decision to make.
Yesterday, Dybala focused on rest and gym exercises, but today he will take to the pitch with a trainer to test his pain tolerance and determine if he can rejoin the team or if a personalized recovery plan is necessary. The outcome of this evaluation will be critical in deciding his involvement in next Sunday's match against Cremonese.
But here's where it gets controversial... Dybala's season has been plagued by injuries, with this being his third of the 2025-26 campaign. He's already dealt with two muscle tears and now faces knee inflammation. This string of setbacks has led to increasing speculation about his future, as his contract nears its end. Meanwhile, Dybala is also preparing for a significant life event, as he and his partner are expecting a child in early March.
With yesterday's injury, Dybala has now missed eleven games this season, heightening concerns about his availability for the remainder of the campaign. And this is the part most people miss... The impact of these injuries extends beyond the pitch, as they could influence Dybala's decision on whether to stay with Atalanta or explore other opportunities.
So, will Dybala be able to overcome these challenges and return to full fitness? Or will his injury troubles persist, potentially affecting his future with the club? What do you think? Feel free to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!