Sadio Mane became the latest star to be ruled out of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with several others needing to shake off injuries to play at the global soccer showpiece.
With the 2022 FIFA World Cup just 10 days away, FARPost looks at some global football stars who will be racing for fitness.
LIKELY TO MISS WORLD CUP
While France’s Paul Pogba is out due to a recurring knee problem, his former Manchester United teammate Romelu Lukaku is struggling with a hamstring injury. The Belgian forward is likely to miss the early stages of the FIFA World Cup due to the injury.
The Netherlands will have to do without Gini Wijnaldum after he broke his leg in August. On the other hand, Paulo Dybala and Angel Di Maria are battling calf and hamstring injuries to play a part in Argentina’s campaign.
Spain have to keep their fingers crossed regarding Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal, who were pivotal to their Euros campaign that saw them reach the semi-final last summer.
Olmo is nursing an ankle injury, while Oyarzabal has a knee problem. England will also hope Emile Smith Rowe, who had surgery on his groin tendon, recovers in time for Qatar. Bukayo Saka is also being assessed after picking an ankle injury.
CLEARED OF CANCER
Wales’ David Brooks has been out since September 2021 with hamstring issues. Brooks will be relieved after he was cleared of cancer [Hodgkin lymphoma). He hasn’t played since September 2021.
Denmark’s Christian Norgaard is recovering from an Achilles injury and is due back early this month. The Brentford midfielder hopes to build on his match fitness in time for the FIFA World Cup.
Poland’s Jakub Moder is also battling an ACL injury, and the Brighton midfielder is not expected back in action until 2023.
Manchester United’s Raphael Varane, who has been named for France, still has to recover from a hamstring. His French teammate N’Golo Kante is still recovering from hamstring surgery and looks unlikely to participate in the early stages of the FIFA World Cup.
Kante’s Chelsea teammate Wesley Fofana is battling a knee injury alongside England’s Reece James.
Brazil duo of Arthur Melo [thigh injury] and Richarlison are also struggling with injury.
OTHER PLAYERS
Diogo Jota, Portugal: Calf injury
Kalvin Phillips, England: Shoulder surgery
Kyle Walker, England: Groin surgery
Moussa Niakhate, Senegal: Hamstring injury
Arel Bella Kotchap, Germany: Dislocated shoulder
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