Bobadilla's absence from the team was initially justified by the São Paulo club as "pain in the right knee". However, Globo Esporte Futebol has reported that the player actually has a problem with the medial collateral ligament of his right knee. This issue was not fully addressed during the World Cup, according to the club's medical department.
The 30-year-old midfielder was a starter in two games and a reserve in the other two during the World Cup, but was absent only in the elimination against France. He returned to São Paulo and played against Athletico-PR, but felt pain again. Bobadilla was then out against Flamengo due to "pain in the right knee", before returning to the team in the next game and entering in the second half against Grêmio.
Since then, Bobadilla has been unable to shake off the injury and has not played for the team since August 11th. He is nearing a return, but it is unlikely that he will be in the starting lineup this Saturday against Internacional in the Brasileirão. The São Paulo club is discussing whether the player will require surgery to address the issue.
Bobadilla is optimistic about returning to the team after the upcoming Data Fifa break. His next opportunity to play will be on October 2nd, when São Paulo faces Santos in a rescheduled Brasileirão match at the Morumbis stadium.