Julio Enciso
StrasbourgAM (CF)
Creative Playmaker
Jan 23, 2004 (22)
Right
5'8"
141 lb
Progressing well, facing late test
Enciso (thigh) "is doing very well. We're going to finish evaluating him today and wait. Hopefully, he'll be alright, because that's what we all want.", Paraguay's national team manager Gustavo Alfaro said ahead of Friday's World Cup match against United States.
Analysis: Enciso has shown positive signs in his recovery and should have a chance to appear in his country's World Cup opener if he continues to feel well. The Strasbourg attacker is among the most talented players on the Paraguayan roster, so he should eventually take a starting role either as a center-forward of left winger, although Friday's clash might come too soon for him to log a lot of minutes. As soon as Enciso is ready to play, both Miguel Almiron and Mauricio could see their playing time reduced.
Could play vs. USMNT
Enciso (thigh) is in contention to start against USA on Friday, according to Alvaro Aponte of VS Sports.
Analysis: Enciso was expected to miss the World Cup opener after sustaining an injury against Nicaragua, but the Strasbourg playmaker has recovered more quickly than expected and could be available Friday. If deemed fit enough, Enciso could move to the starting lineup alongside Antonio Sanabria upfront.
New MRI confirms minor issue
Enciso (thigh) underwent another MRI scan, which revealed he's still dealing with a muscle contusion but has avoided a tear, although he's likely to sit out the World Cup opener against United States, Miguel Caceres of ABC Deportes reports.
Analysis: Enciso will continue to recover from his muscle injury, with Paraguay's coaching staff trying to be careful so that the key player avoids a relapse. Having taken part in ball drills already, he could aim to return after his likely exclusion from the first group-stage game. Until then, there could be a rare opportunity for either Mauricio or Ramon Sosa to produce on the left flank.
Trains with ball
Enciso (thigh) was spotted walking, running and working with the ball during Paraguay's first training session in the United States at the Spartan Soccer Complex in San Jose, with additional medical examinations showing notable improvement in the affected right thigh area, according to ABC.
Analysis: Enciso had been carried off on a stretcher in tears during the friendly against Nicaragua, making the positive signs at training an enormous relief for the entire Paraguay camp. A specialist in ultrasound has been added to the delegation to monitor his condition minute by minute, and while the coaching staff plan to manage his return carefully to ensure a complete recovery, his World Cup participation now looks considerably more optimistic than the initial diagnosis suggested.
Three assists in finale
Enciso assisted thrice to go with two shots (zero on goal), three crosses (zero accurate) and one corner in Sunday's 5-4 victory versus Monaco.
Analysis: Enciso helped lead a shocking comeback win in Sunday's season finale, recording three assists in the win over Monaco. His late season surge capped off an up-and-down debut season with Strasbourg where he recorded nine goal contributions (three goals and six assists) across 27 appearances, five of which came during the final three matches of the season.
Delivers assist on Wednesday
Enciso made an assist and had two shots (one on target) during Wednesday's 2-1 win over Brest.
Analysis: Enciso had a great first half, being involved in the play that led to his team's first goal and then assisting the second in less than 20 minutes. That's now three goals and three assists over 26 Ligue 1 appearances for the attacker, who had a lot of ups and downs during the campaign but at least is playing closer to the level everyone expects from him as of late.
Scores in start
Enciso scored one goal to go with nine shots (three on goal), four crosses (zero accurate) and one corner in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Angers.
Analysis: For the first time since March 15, Enciso logged a start as an attacking midfielder. Thereafter, two of his last three starts have him score a goal, marking his best run of offensive form this season.
Beginning rehabilitation
Enciso (knee) has started rehabilitation, according to manager Fabian Hurzeler. "Julio doesn't have a big injury. He's back in rehab training. It's very important that the players know our thoughts and our plans for the future. We always have an open conversation with Julio, and we will see what happens in the next days."
Analysis: Enciso is just beginning to see his first steps in a return from knee surgery, as the attacker was announced to have started his rehab. That said, he is likely still a few weeks to a month out from nearing a return, hoping that he can see the training field soon and break through to the next steps of his comeback.
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