Almiron’s energy, ball-carrying and experience make him a difficult player to replace in a tournament squad. If the reported suspension is upheld, Paraguay would lose an established attacking outlet at a critical stage of its campaign.
The timing is particularly damaging. With only one match identified as certain to be missed in the report, the impact could extend beyond a single team sheet. Paraguay may need to alter its pressing approach, attacking width and transition play against Australia.
The report says the dismissal followed an argument with Turkey defender Mert Muldur, after Almiron covered his mouth while speaking to his opponent. The incident was reviewed by VAR before the referee showed a red card.
The reported decision is tied to a -backed law introduced only in April. It allows a player to be dismissed for covering the mouth “in a confrontational situation with an opponent”.
That wording gives officials considerable room for interpretation. The report says Paraguay’s bench reacted angrily and players from both teams became involved in pushing and shoving, underlining how quickly a verbal confrontation can become a disciplinary flashpoint.
For Paraguay, any appeal would be difficult if the governing body believes the referee applied the new wording correctly. The case could also become an early test of how consistently the rule is enforced throughout the tournament.
The Australia fixture now carries greater weight for Paraguay. Without Almiron, the team must find an alternative source of attacking thrust while avoiding further disciplinary trouble.
The next storyline is whether the reported suspension is formally confirmed, whether Paraguay challenges the decision and which player is trusted to fill the gap. Those answers could shape the team’s entire World Cup campaign.