The 2022 World Cup is now just two months away. And, with time not exactly on their side, there is a very real chance that the likes of Paul Pogba and Kalvin Phillips will be joining Gini Wijnaldum and Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez in missing out on the plane to Qatar.
Here are some of the biggest names who could be ruled out or, in some cases, already have been.
Florian Wirtz – Bayer Leverkusen and Germany
The Qatar World Cup was supposed to announce Wirtz’s arrival onto the global stage. Instead, the 19-year-old wonderkid – tipped to become ‘the best player in Germany ever’ by at least one observer – will have to wait to make his mark at international level after rupturing his cruciate ligament in March.
At least reports of Marco Reus’ absence appear to have been somewhat premature. The injury gods giveth, the injury gods taketh away.
Mikel Oyarzabal – Real Sociedad and Spain
While hardly the most recognisable name in Luis Enrique’s star-studded squad, the fact that Oyarzabal featured in every single one of Spain’s games at Euro 2020 is proof of his importance to the former Barcelona boss.
The Sociedad talisman could return to action sooner rather than later after a long-term absence. But, still, Qatar looks set to come too soon for Oyarzabal to regain full match sharpness. And the World Cup is no place for passengers.
Kalvin Phillips – Manchester City and England
Losing a key player on the eve of a tournament; it’s something of Three Lions tradition these days. Phillips, England’s 2021 Player of the Year and a key part of the Gareth Southgate gameplan, may be forced to watch his team take on the USA, Wales and Iran from the comfort of his own sofa, City boss Pep Guardiola suggesting that he will need surgery to correct a shoulder problem that has restricted him to just one Premier League minute since joining from Leeds United.
Javier Hernandez and Jesus Corona – LA Galaxy and Sevilla; Mexico
Former Manchester United favourite Hernandez won’t be adding to his remarkable tally of 52 international goals this year. Wing wizard Corona is absent too, following a fractured fibula. As such, El Tri will be without two of their most influential, experienced attackers.
Mexico coach Gerardo Martino is, at least, somewhat confident that Raul Jimenez will be back in time to feature.
“There is plenty of time for (Jimenez) to recover,” Martino says of Wolves’ number nine. “I thought that it wasn’t so serious – it isn’t very serious – but I do have to give it a lot of thought.”
Dani Olmo – RB Leipzig and Spain
Like fellow La Roja team-mate Oyarzabal, Olmo faces a race against time. The 24-year-old’s adaptability and eye for goal makes him a key piece of the Spain jigsaw – he shone as a false nine against Italy in the Euros – and his absence would represent a big blow to Enrique’s plans.
Juan Musso – Atalanta and Argentina
According to Sky Italia, the £18 million shot-stopper may be out of action until 2023 with a head injury. Musso was unlikely to start in Qatar anyway, with Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez established as Argentina’s number one, but his sudden unavailability leaves Albiceleste manager Lionel Scaloni will little room for manoeuvre.
Boubacar Kamara, Lucas Digne and Lucas Hernandez – Aston Villa and Bayern Munich; France
You could probably build a World Cup-winning side out of the players missing from Didier Deschamps’ squad for September’s international break. But while Hugo Lloris and Theo Hernanez should be fully fit by the time November rolls around, the same cannot be said of Kamara, Digne or Lucas Hernandez (Theo’s older brother). Well, not with any real confidence anyway.
And this isnt the end of France’s injury worries either…
Paul Pogba – Juventus and France
Say what you want about one of the game’s most divisive talents, there can be no arguing just how integral Pogba is to France’s hopes of retaining their crown in Qatar. Unfortunately for Deschamps, the playmaker’s recent injury hell is showing no sign of ending.
“We will realistically get him back in January,” sighed under-fire Juventus coach Max Allegri a couple of weeks ago.
“The World Cup is not my problem. Juventus’ problem is that he comes back in January.”
Bouna Sarr – Bayern Munich and Senegal
While Pogba is yet to be 100 per cent ruled out of contention, Bayern Munich benchwarmer and former Marseille captain Bouna Sarr certainly has been.
“I don’t know how to express my disappointment to be away from the pitch for the coming months, and especially to miss a World Cup,” a devastated Sarr wrote on Instagram, accepting defeat after suffering a damaging knee injury.
Gini Wijnaldum – Roma and the Netherlands
Has any footballer suffered a more miserable 12 months than Gini Wijnaldum? After a disastrous spell at PSG, the former Liverpool enforcer was desperate to kick-start his career in the Italian capital.
Instead, he broke his leg after just 37 minutes of football in Roma colours. As such, the Dutch will be without one of their most experienced, reliable campaigners – and an excellent source of goals – in Qatar.
“I didn’t respond after my injury because I was really emotional and sad at the situation,” Wijnaldum said this week. “I want to say sorry for that. I’m in a really good space now. I accept the situation how it is and that’s why I can now give 100 per cent in my rehab.”
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