Damián Bobadilla
CM
Box-to-Box
Jul 11, 2001 (24)
Right
5'11"
168 lb
Scores own goal in loss
Bobadilla scored an own goal in Friday's 4-1 loss to the United States. He was subbed off at halftime.
Analysis: Bobadilla had a rough start in the World Cup opener, giving the United States a dream start when he inadvertently turned the ball into his own net in the seventh minute. The Sao Paulo midfielder was unable to make the positive impact he typically provides in possession and transition, and he was replaced at halftime. He'll try to right the ship against Turkiye on Friday, June 19.
Finds starting XI
Bobadilla (knee) is in the starting XI for Friday's match against the USA.
Analysis: Bobadilla is fit for Friday as many expected, as the midfielder resides in the starting XI holding down the middle of the pitch. He will be tasked with controlling the game along with Andres Cubas, likely to have their hands full against the USMNT and Turkiye in the group stage. This will mark his World Cup debut as he earns a 22nd cap with the national team.
Fit for opener
Bobadilla (knee) is hopeful to be involved in Friday's World Cup matchup versus United States after stating "Since we arrived here, I've been training normally with the group. I was on the bench for the friendly against Nicaragua too. I am feeling well; I haven't stopped training at any point, I've been training the whole time, so I feel pretty good.", per reporter John Walter Ferrari.
Analysis: Bobadilla has continued to train with the Paraguayan squad and is reportedly earning a starting spot right away. Such event could cause Kaku Romero to see limited minutes as a backup option, with Bobadilla giving the squad a versatile midfield asset who could move between wide and central zones. He'll look to make an offensive impact after scoring one goal and one assist over six international friendlies since 2025.
Returns to full training
Bobadilla (knee) has made a full recovery and trained normally alongside the rest of the Paraguay squad at the Spartan Soccer Complex in San Jose, completing speed and direction change exercises without any difficulty despite wearing a protective strap below his right knee, according to ABC.
Analysis: Bobadilla had been kept out of the friendly against Nicaragua as a precaution, but his complete reintegration into group training is a significant boost for coach Gustavo Alfaro heading into the World Cup opener against the United States on June 12. The midfielder is expected to be a regular starter in Paraguay's engine room and his return to full training removes any lingering doubt about his availability for the tournament.
Rested against Nicaragua
Bobadilla (undisclosed) will not feature in Friday's friendly against Nicaragua as coach Gustavo Alfaro opts against risking the midfielder with the World Cup opener against the United States on June 12 just days away. "Before facing Nicaragua, there are players we won't risk, like Damian. Then, there will be many changes."
Analysis: Bobadilla is expected to be an undisputed starter in Paraguay's midfield when the tournament gets underway and the coaching staff will be monitoring his condition closely over the coming days before making any decisions on his availability for the opener. His absence from Friday's fixture is purely precautionary rather than a sign of any serious concern, and Paraguay will be hoping the rest proves sufficient to have one of their most important midfield figures fully available when they face the United States.
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