With all the anticipation surrounding the FIFA World Cup, it’s important to remember that the most beautiful game can sometimes be some of the most dangerous. While not every player who hits the field will get injured or suffer from an illness, it’s highly recommended that those on the sidelines be prepared for any eventuality.
In this infographic, we’ve outlined major stars from around the globe who are injured and will likely miss this year’s tournament. Hopefully, these athletes will get well soon because we miss seeing them on the field.
Kalvin Philips – England
It’s the eve of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and England is already down a man. Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips will miss the tournament due to a shoulder injury.
The news comes after reports that Pep Guardiola has suggested that Phillips needs surgery on his shoulder to correct a problem he’s been dealing with since joining Manchester City from Leeds United.
Phillips’s absence could prove crucial to England’s chances in Qatar. He was widely considered one of their best players in 2021 and has participated in all three games played by Gareth Southgate since taking over as manager.
Paul Pogba – France
Paul Pogba has been one of the most divisive figures in the game for some time now, but there’s no denying just how important he is to France’s chances of retaining their FIFA World Cup crown in Qatar.
Unfortunately for Didier Deschamps, that importance has taken a hit recently, with the playmaker falling victim to an injury hell that looks set to continue until the tournament ends.
Recent reports suggest that Pogba could return in January 2023 – but it seems unlikely that he’ll be back in time for any pre-tournament friendlies. That would place him at least three months behind schedule on his road to recovery and leaves him with little chance of being ready by November 2022.
Gini Wijnaldum – Netherlands
The Dutch will need all the help they can get in Qatar, and Roma’s Gini Wijnaldum is one player Oranje will sorely miss.
Wijnaldum was signed in January from Liverpool after a disastrous spell at PSG. He joined Roma to kick-start his career in Italy, but he never got the chance. After just 37 minutes of football, he broke his leg and was ruled out for the rest of the season.
Wijnaldum is one of the Netherlands’ most experienced campaigners and a reliable source of goals. His absence will be felt in Qatar, where he would have been expected to play a key role for Oranje.
Jesus Corona – Mexico
Mexico coach Gerardo Martino is, at least, somewhat confident that Raul Jimenez will be back in time to feature. However, Jesus Corona is absent through injury and will miss out on Qatar’s 2022 FIFA World Cup. He broke his left fibula and ruptured his ankle ligaments back in August.
Another big miss in attack is Javier Hernandez who was dropped by Martino. This means he won’t add to his remarkable 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.
Thiago Alcantara – Spain
Thiago Alcantara is one of the world’s best midfielders; at 31, he’s still in his prime. But Luis Enrique has left the Spaniard out of his latest squad, and it’s no surprise.
Thiago only appeared as a substitute at Euro 2020 and hasn’t added to his 46 international caps since then. The Liverpool schemer is competing with Pedri and Gavi for a midfield spot, but it seems like Luis Enrique has already made up his mind about the Spaniard.
Eyebrows would’ve been raised on Merseyside when Thiago was left out of Spain’s latest squad – but perhaps they shouldn’t have been.
