The countdown to Qatar is underway. Monday will mark eight months until the 2022 World Cup kicks off, on November 21st.
But, even with nearly two-thirds of a year to go before the so-called ‘Festival of Football’ begins, there are already a handful of stars, including Germany’s teen sensation and a Spanish record-breaker, facing a race against time as they look to secure their seat on the plane.
Florian Wirtz – Bayer Leverkusen and Germany
Former U21 striker Simon Cziommer raised an eyebrow or two recently when he claimed that Bayer Leverkusen’s £125 million-rated wunderkind could be ‘the best player in Germany ever’.
Unfortunately, any hopes Wirtz had of justifying those lofty expectations at the World Cup went up in smoke last weekend. The 18-year-old ruptured his ACL in Leverkusen’s 1-0 defeat to local rivals Koln.
Wirtz had produced 24 goals and assists in just 31 games this season. A remarkable tally for one so young. He was supposed to be one of the Qatar’s genuine breakthrough stars.
Federico Chiesa – Juventus and Italy
Arguably Italy and Juventus’ most influential attacker, Chiesa’s second season in Turin came to a premature conclusion when he, like Wirtz, ruptured his ACL.
As such, the jet-heeled winger may be watching the World Cup unfold from the comfort of his own sofa.
Then again, so might the rest of the Italy squad. Less than 12 months after breaking English hearts at Wembley, the reigning European Champions are facing up to the prospect of a daunting play-off clash with fellow giants Portugal.
Mikel Oyarzabal – Real Sociedad and Spain
Another talented forward now facing a race against time after tearing his ACL.
The Real Sociedad captain made ten appearances for Spain in 2021. But he’s unlikely to add to that tally any time soon. Oyarzabal has been consigned to around six months on the sidelines.
Versatile, skilful and an excellent penalty taker. Oyarzabal had emerged as a key part of Luis Enrique’s plans, impressing out wide or through the middle as a false nine.
Kevin Nisbet – Hibs and Scotland
Scotland are within touching distance of a first World Cup since 1998. But, even if Steve Clarke’s side conquer the play-offs and board a flight to Qatar, there may be no place on the plane for Kevin Nisbet.
The Hibernian poacher, who scored his first international goal against the Netherlands last year, is out of action for the rest of the season. At least.
Nisbet’s World Cup ambitions have not gone up in smoke just yet, however. While there’s time, there’s hope.
“I think in these moments you always need sources of motivation,” says Hibs boss Shaun Maloney (BBC). “And the World Cup being possible for him gives him a really big target.”
Ansu Fati – Barcelona and Spain
In September 2020, 17-year-old Fati became the youngest goalscorer in the history of the Spanish national team. His well-taken finish against Ukraine was the red velvet icing on top of a mesmerising attacking display.
That he’s only played twice for La Roja since then is down to a relentless series of injuries, rather than any dip in form.
Fati, who inherited Lionel Messi’s number 10 shirt at Barcelona, has started only three La Liga games in 2021/22. And he recently suffered yet another setback in his route to full fitness.
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