Every football player’s dream tournament is the World Cup, but the injured list keeps getting longer this year. With The Qatar 2022 showpiece just three weeks away, players still receiving treatment and vying for a spot in the tournament will be feeling the pressure.
Top Players Absent for the Reigning Champs
Paul Pogba’s ambition of playing for France in the World Cup is already over. Following a knee injury, he hasn’t featured this season for his club, Juventus. Compatriot N’Golo Kante is also sidelined. Following surgery for a persistent hamstring issue. Raphael Varane and goalkeeper Mike Maignan are also in doubt.
Last month, Varane missed practice due to a thigh muscle ailment. The injury is not expected to be as severe as first anticipated. Thus Deschamps might still pick the seasoned centre-back for the defending champions. Maignan was a key component of Milan’s Serie A championship victory last season, but a calf injury has prevented him from playing since September.
It’s good news that Presnel Kimpembe has come back. Additionally, fellow defenders L. Hernandez and Lucas Digne have resumed their club training.
Two Top Argentina Stars in Doubts
Paulo Dybala’s left quadriceps injury remains a significant question mark for Argentina. Yet, Argentina might be inclined to retain him even though he will almost certainly miss the beginning of the competition if they advance further.
Juventus star Angel Di Maria feared missing the World Cup, but medical examinations suggested he would be sidelined for around three weeks. He, therefore, should return soon.
Portugal Woes as Cristiano Sets Eyes on the Trophy
Diogo Jota will be unavailable for Portugal owing to a calf issue. Still, Pablo Neto underwent surgery for an ankle injury he sustained last month and won’t be joining the side either.
Portugal may be without experienced defender Pepe, who suffered a knee injury in practice at the beginning of October. Luckily, Nuno Mendes has given Portugal a boost. The athlete, who had been sidelined with a hamstring ailment, played recently as a late substitution.