Julio Enciso was in Paraguay’s starting lineup against the United States on Friday, a quick return for the attacker after a muscle contusion in his right thigh put his World Cup participation in doubt just over a week ago.
Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro named Enciso against the co-hosts of the tournament for what was Paraguay’s first match, giving the side a major boost before kickoff. The decision mattered because Enciso had left a June 5 friendly against Nicaragua in tears, helped from the field on a cart after showing discomfort in his right leg around the 22-minute mark.
That image made the recovery update hard to ignore. Enciso’s injury had raised fears that he might not be available at all for the World Cup, and Paraguay’s lineup against the United States was the clearest sign yet that the setback had eased enough for him to start. The move also fit a tournament that had already begun with Mexico beating South Africa and Canada drawing Bosnia and Herzegovina in its opener.
What remains unanswered is how much of Enciso Paraguay can safely expect from him after such a recent scare. Being named to start is one thing; holding up for a full match after a right-thigh contusion suffered on June 5 is another.
