The 2022 FIFA World Cup is the first to be held in the months of November and December, and the timing is already having an impact on the participating teams.
Due to the intense summer heat in host nation Qatar, the World Cup had to be moved from the usual June-July window. While the scheduling change will make for better playing conditions for the players, it has also posed a challenge for a number of squads.
Since the World Cup tournament falls smack in the middle of the European club season, rather than during the off-season which has been customary, it means any players injured in the weeks leading up to the World Cup are in danger of missing the tournament.
In past editions, these players had several weeks to recover prior to the tournament’s kickoff, but this time around there is precious little time between the break from club play (November 14) and the start of the World Cup on Sunday, November 20.
MORE: Why is the 2022 World Cup being played in November?
World Cup injuries 2022
There are a significant number of injuries to track as the 2022 FIFA World Cup gets underway. These are some of the biggest names who will miss the tournament in Qatar:
- Karim Benzema (France)
- Presnel Kimpembe (France)
- Paul Pogba (France)
- N’Golo Kante (France)
- Mike Maignan (France)
- Christopher Nkunku (France)
- Timo Werner (Germany)
- Florian Wirtz (Germany)
- Diogo Jota (Portugal)
- Georginio Wijnaldum (Netherlands)
- Alexis Saelemaekers (Belgium)
- Diego Carlos (Brazil)
- Arthur Melo (Brazil)
- Ben Chilwell (England)
- Reece James (England)
- Jesus ‘Tecatito’ Corona (Mexico)
- Marco Reus (Germany)
- Giovani Lo Celso (Argentina)
- Nicolas Gonzalez (Argentina)
- Joaquin Correa (Argentina)
- Amine Harit (Morocco)
- Sadio Mane (Senegal)
And here are the most high-profile injury situations we’re monitoring closely:
- Enner Valencia (Ecuador)
- Memphis Depay (Netherlands)
- James Maddison (England)
- Kyle Walker (England)
- Kamaldeen Sulemana (Ghana)
- Sardar Azmoun (Iran)
- Raul Jimenez (Mexico)
- Son Heung-min (South Korea)
- Joe Allen (Wales)
- Cesar Azpilicueta (Spain)
We’re tracking every team’s most problematic injury situations below (countries listed in alphabetical order):
Australia injuries World Cup 2022
Ajdin Hrustic: There was concern around the ankle injury that kept him out for three matches with Hellas Verona in Italy, but he is back for the World Cup and was named to the final 26-man squad. With 20 caps to his name, the attacking midfielder is a key component of the Australia squad in Qatar when healthy.
Other injuries:
- Martin Boyle (ruled out): Missed Nov. 4 match. He was picked for the final 26-man list, as part of an attempt to get him ready in time, but standby player Marco Tilio has now moved into the squad as his confirmed replacement.
- Harry Souttar (ACL): Returned Nov. 8 and selected in final squad.
MORE: Australia’s final 26-man World Cup squad
Argentina injuries World Cup 2022
Paulo Dybala: He suffered a torn hamstring on October 9 while taking and scoring a penalty. It looked initially unlikely that he would be available for the World Cup, but he has recovered in time and is on the roster. He was left out of the side for their warm-up match against UAE on November 16, and was part of a group of players that coach Lionel Scaloni admitted could still be dropped from the squad.
Giovani Lo Celso: The midfielder suffered a torn quad on October 30 while playing for Villarreal. Parent club Tottenham want him to undergo surgery and he has missed out on Qatar.
Nicolas Gonzalez: The forward missed Fiorentina’s most recent four matches with a muscle problem. Argentina confirmed on November 17 that his place in the World Cup squad would be taken by Angel Correa.
Joaquin Correa: The Inter Milan attacker scored in a 5-0 friendly win over the UAE on November 16 but picked up a knee injury in that game that has ruled him out of the World Cup. Thiago Almada has been named as his replacement.
Other injuries:
- Juan Foyth (undisclosed): Lo Celso’s teammate at Villarreal has been out since Aug. 28 but he has since returned to action and was named to the squad.
- Leandro Paredes (quad): Out since Oct. 21 but he also made the final cut for Qatar.
- Cristian Romero (hamstring): Missed last five club games, was named in the squad but left out of warm-up match vs. UAE, part of a group of players Scaloni says may have to be withdrawn.
- Alejandro ‘Papu’ Gomez (undisclosed): Not in the squad for UAE warm-up match, and part of the group of players Scaloni admits are not 100% fit.
MORE: Argentina’s final 26-man World Cup squad
Belgium injuries World Cup 2022
Romelu Lukaku: It’s been an injury-plagued season for Lukaku, and while it seemed likely that Lukaku’s presence on the Belgium roster meant he would shake off his hamstring issue in time for the group stage, that’s looking less likely.
“If he can’t play in the group stage, he won’t be with us,” Roberto Martinez said before the tournament. However, on Sunday reports emerged that Lukaku would likely miss at least the first two group stage matches of the tournament.
Thomas Meunier: The wing-back suffered a fractured cheekbone on October 20. He was out of club action until the break but Roberto Martinez has deemed him ready to play in Qatar and he will be on the plane.
Other injuries:
- Alexis Saelemaekers (knee ligament): Out for the World Cup.
MORE: Belgium’s final squad for World Cup 2022
Brazil injuries World Cup 2022
Bremer: The Juventus center-back was withdrawn from club action on October 15 with a quad injury, but returned to availability in early November and was selected for the final roster.
Lucas Paqueta: The midfielder, in good form at West Ham, suffered a shoulder injury on October 16, but returned to club action on November 6 as a substitute, and will be available for the World Cup.
Richarlison: He has been out with a calf injury since October 15, but he was still added by Tite to the final squad, and made an appearance for Tottenham on November 12, indicating he is indeed healthy for the World Cup.
Other injuries:
- Diego Carlos (ACL tear): Out for World Cup.
- Arthur Melo (thigh injury): Out for World Cup.
- Lucas Verissimo (ACL tear): He suffered the injury on Nov. 2021, and returned Oct. 22 to Liga 2 action. But he did not make the final cut.
MORE: Brazil’s final squad for World Cup 2022
Cameroon injuries World Cup 2022
No known injuries at this time.
MORE: Cameroon’s final squad for World Cup 2022
Canada injuries World Cup 2022
Alphonso Davies: Canada fans held their collective breath as Davies limped off with a hamstring injury on November 5, with just precious few days to go before the tournament. There was a sigh of relief, though, as Bayern confirmed that Davies would be available for the World Cup, although me missed the German side’s final two club matches before the break.
The 22-year-old is still being assessed by the Canada medical staff with John Herdman admitting he is still ‘finding top speed’ in his recovery and his fitness will be assessed ahead of their Group F opener against Belgium on November 23.
Other injuries:
- Maxime Crepeau (right leg fracture): Out for World Cup. Suffered the injury in the MLS Cup final on Nov. 5.
- Scott Kennedy (shoulder injury): Confirmed out for World Cup.
- Doneil Henry (muscle injury): Injured in warmups before the Bahrain friendly, confirmed out for the World Cup.
MORE: Canada’s World Cup squad for Qatar
Costa Rica injuries World Cup 2022
Keylor Navas: Unable to get any game time at PSG behind a surging Gianluigi Donnarumma, Navas suddenly cropped up with a back injury in early November.
It’s possible that at 35 years old, the club was simply allowing him to rest for the World Cup knowing he’s not going to play ahead of Donnarumma. But it is one to monitor during the World Cup since he’s Costa Rica’s unquestioned leader and superstar.
MORE: Costa Rica final roster for World Cup 2022
Croatia injuries World Cup 2022
Marcelo Brozovic: Out since mid-September with a hamstring injury, Brozovic returned to club action with Inter just in time, playing a handful of minutes in the November 6 Derby d’Italia against Juventus. He should be fit for the World Cup, and has been named in the final 26-man squad, which is a massive boost for the 2018 runners-up.
Other injuries:
- Domagoj Vida (muscle injury): Missed club match on Nov. 6, and his status is unknown. He has, though, been named in the final squad.
MORE: Croatia final 26-man roster for World Cup 2022
Denmark injuries World Cup 2022
Andreas Christensen: One of many Barcelona defenders suffering through injury trouble, Christensen returned from a sprained ankle to make a cameo on Nov. 5 against Almeria. He was included on the final roster.
Thomas Delaney: Sevilla midfielder Delaney appeared to be troubled by a hamstring injury when he was replaced by Mikkel Damsgaard during the first half of Denmark’s opening game against Tunisia.
Other injuries:
- Jonas Wind (hamstring injury): Missed his final club match on Nov. 12, but was selected to the World Cup roster and should be fit to play.
MORE: Denmark updated squad list for World Cup 2022
Ecuador injuries World Cup 2022
Enner Valencia: The Ecuador captain scored a brace in the opening match of the tournament against Qatar, but took a number of thumping tackles in the game and limped off in the 77th minute looking worse for wear. He was seen with ice on his knee on the bench as the match came to a close.
Following the game the veteran striker offered an update on his fitness – “The doctors will assess me, but I hope to play in the second game against Holland.”
Robert Arboleda: The 30-year-old center-back last played for his Brazilian club team Sao Paulo back on June 19, missing months due to a fractured ankle. He appeared off the bench in the pre-World Cup friendly against Iran, and was included on the final 26-man roster released on November 14.
Ayrton Preciado: The Santos Laguna forward missed the entire season with his Mexican club due to a leg fracture. He was on the bench for the Iraq friendly, and while he did not make it onto the field, he was still included in Gonzalo Alfaro’s final squad.
Other injuries:
- Joao Rojas (ACL tear in July): Out for World Cup.
MORE: Ecuador’s World Cup roster for Qatar 2022
England injuries for World Cup 2022
Reece James: One of the most devastating injuries for any team at the World Cup involves England full-back Reece James, who was in fantastic form with Chelsea before he suffered a knee injury against Wolves on October 8. There was some debate that he may still be included in Gareth Southgate’s squad, but it was confirmed on November 9 he will not make the tournament.
— Reece James (@ReeceJames) November 9, 2022
Kyle Walker: Another critical England defender struggling for fitness is Kyle Walker who has been missing with a groin injury since October 2. He still made the squad though with Southgate confident he can have a part to play despite ruling him out of the first match with Iran.
Kalvin Phillips: The midfielder hasn’t started a game for City this season having battled to return from a shoulder injury. However, having made his comeback in recent weeks, he too made the 26-man squad.
James Maddison: Having forced his way back into the England reckoning at just the right time, Leicester City star Maddison went down in the first half of the Foxes’ Premier League game at West Ham on November 12 and had to be substituted, having earlier given his side the lead. He later tweeted to say the problem wasn’t serious, but he also missed two England training sessions in a row .Southgate has since confirmed he won’t be fit for the opener against Iran.
Harry Maguire: The big defender who got an assist in England’s opening game win over Iran was taken off early, with Gareth Southgate telling reporters he was suffering from illness. It remains to be seen if it will leave him out of anymore group games.
Other injuries:
- Ben Chilwell (hamstring injury): Out of World Cup.
- Emile Smith Rowe (groin surgery on Sept. 29): Out of World Cup.
MORE: Final England squad for World Cup 2022
France injuries World Cup 2022
N’Golo Kante: The Chelsea midfielder has been injury prone his whole career, and succumbed to a hamstring issue early in the Premier League season. He’s been out since mid-August and was ruled out of the World Cup a number of weeks before the tournament.
Paul Pogba: A knee injury in pre-season kept Pogba out of action for Juventus all season, and while it was thought he could recover in time for the World Cup, he suffered a thigh injury during his recovery, ruling him out of the World Cup. It’s a brutal blow to France, who will be missing both their starting midfielders in Qatar.
Mike Maignan: Outside of Pogba and Kante, Maignan is the biggest miss for France due to the calf injury that has had him out of action since October 1. He was ruled out of club action through the new year by AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli. Maignan had a breakout season in 2021/22 and was a big reason the Rossoneri won the Serie A title.
Presnel Kimpembe: Originally called up to the squad, the PSG defender did not feel fully recovered from injury and so will not be at the World Cup. His place was taken by uncapped Monaco centre-back Axel Disasi.
Lucas Hernandez: At least there’s some good news for France. Out for most of September and all of October with an adductor tear, Lucas Hernandez returned to action with Bayern Munich on November 5 and is fit for the World Cup. He was named to the final man roster.
Raphael Varane: The Man United defender came off in tears in late October and missed the rest of the Red Devils’ slate before the World Cup break, but was called up by France manager Didier Deschamps and trained before the first match.
Karim Benzema: The Ballon d’Or winner left France training after 15 minutes just a week before the start of his country’s campaign, according to RMC, which said that the prolific striker has been suffering from a muscular problem but did not appear unduly concerned by the situation.
On November 19, France confirmed that Benzema would play no part in the tournament because of a thigh injury.
Didier Deschamps has decided against calling up a replacement for the Real Madrid striker with Les Bleus sticking with a 25-man squad in Qatar.
Christopher Nkunku: The Leipzig attacker has been withdrawn from France’s World Cup squad after picking up a knee injury during training. Subsequent scans confirmed a sprain which will keep him sidelined throughout the tournament in Qatar with Randal Kolo Muani replacing him in the squad.
Eduardo Camavinga: There was a report on Sunday that the Real Madrid midfielder suffered an adductor injury in training. There’s no official word, but the report indicated it “wasn’t serious.” One to monitor given how thin the France midfield already is.
Lucas Hernandez: The Bayern Munich defender lasted just 13 minutes into France’s 2022 World Cup opener against Australia. The 26-year-old went down with a serious looking knee injury in the build up to Australia’s early goal and the early signs do not look positive for him.
Other injuries:
- Lucas Digne (ankle): Returned to action with Aston Villa Oct. 29, and fit for selection, but he was not picked by Deschamps.
- Boubacar Kamara (knee ligament): Initially though to be out, but reportedly recovering faster than expected. He didn’t make it in time and was left off the roster.
- Jules Kounde (muscle knock): He missed FC Barcelona’s last two matches on Nov. 5 and Nov. 8, but Deschamps named him to his squad and expects him to be ready to contribute for the first group match.
MORE: France’s final World Cup squad for Qatar
Germany injuries for World Cup 2022
Leroy Sane: It was a scare when Leroy Sane went down with a hamstring tear in mid-October, but he returned to action for Bayern Munich with a 15-minute cameo on November 5 and should be fit for the World Cup unless any new issue crops up.
Timo Werner: It’s heartbreak for Timo Werner, who was recovering his form after moving to RB Leipzig this past summer. He limped off in the 19th minute of Leipzig’s Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk on November 2 and is out for the World Cup with a foot injury.
Florian Wirtz: The Bayer Leverkusen attacker has been out all season as he recovers from an ACL tear suffered back in March, and despite reports that he could have returned specifically for the World Cup, Hansi Flick ultimately opted to omit him from the final squad.
Marco Reus: After picking up a knock during his last outing for Dortmund, Marco Reus is confirmed to be missing the upcoming World Cup. It’s the second showpiece event which the Dortmund captain will miss through injury.
Other injuries:
- Armell Bella-Kotchap (shoulder injury): Returned to club action Nov. 6 and is selected in the final squad.
- Thomas Muller (hip injury): Out since Oct. 29, expected to be fit for World Cup and has been selected by Hansi Flick.
MORE: Germany’s squad for World Cup 2022
Ghana injuries for World Cup 2022
Emmanuel Gyasi: The Spezia captain was forced to sit out the remaining matches in Serie A and was ultimately not picked in Ghana’s 26-man squad for the tournament.
Kamaldeen Sulemana (ankle): The electric Rennes left winger has missed two straight matches with an ankle issue picked up in training. It’s not clear how serious the injury is, though he has been named in Ghana’s final squad.
Daniel Kofi Kyereh: The SC Freiburg attacker has yet to play for his club this month with a muscle issue. He was deemed fit enough to make the cut, though.
Other injuries:
- Stephan Ambrosius: A thigh injury picked up in the Nov. 5 match for Karlsruher will force him to miss the World Cup.
MORE: Ghana’s final squad for World Cup 2022
Iran injuries World Cup 2022
Sardar Azmoun: With 65 caps at 27 years old, Azmoun is one of the most important players in the Iran squad.
He has been missing for Bayer Leverkusen since early October with a calf tear, and his prognosis at the time was a six to eight-week recovery. He was able to come on as a substitute in the closing stages of Iran’s 6-2 loss to England, and they will hope he can start on matchday two against Wales.
Alireza Beiranvand: Iran’s starting goalkeeper clashed heads with a teammate during the loss to England, leaving him with a bloodied nose. After around 10 minutes of treatment, he tried to continue, but he was substituted barely two minutes later.
Other injuries:
- Allahyar Sayyadmanesh (hamstring): Out since Aug. 16 for Hull City, and was ultimately omitted from the final squad.
- Omid Ebrahimi (groin): Out since Sept. 19 for Al-Wakrah. Returned to play five minutes in Iran friendly vs. Nicaragua on Nov. 10, but the injury reappeared. Was not included on Iran’s World Cup roster.
Japan injuries World Cup 2022
Takefusa Kubo: The Real Sociedad playmaker was included in the final 26-man roster for Japan, but he’s been out since October 30 with a shoulder injury. It’s still possible that he misses out, which could force Japan into a roster change before their first match in the tournament.
Ao Tanaka: Like Kubo, Tanaka was also included in the 26-man squad, but he suffered a knock and missed the November 5 Bundesliga match for Fortuna Dusseldorf. His status remains up in the air given the recency of his injury.
Other injuries:
- Takuma Asano (knee ligament injury): Out since Sept. 18 and his status is unclear despite being named in the squad.
- Ko Itakura (knee ligament injury): Out since 9/11, expected to recover for World Cup.
- Yuta Nakayama (Achilles tear): Out of World Cup, replaced by Shuto Machino on Japan roster.
MORE: Japan’s final World Cup roster for Qatar
Mexico injuries World Cup 2022
Jesus Manuel Corona: ‘Tecatito’ suffered a broken ankle in training with his club team Sevilla in August. Days after his club manager indicated he’d only be cleared to train in December, Mexico confirmed on Nov. 8 that Tecatito would not be part of the final squad heading to Qatar.
Raul Jimenez: Mexico have a problem on their hands at striker, as talisman Raul Jimenez was in poor form before falling victim to a nagging hip injury in September. Reports indicated that Jimenez was struggling to walk at times during his recovery due to pain, and while he was included on the final 26-man roster, it’s still unclear whether he’ll be available for selection when the start of the World Cup arrives.
MORE: Mexico’s final World Cup roster
Morocco injuries World Cup 2022
Youssef En-Nesyri: A key member of the Morocco attack is a worry as En-Nesyri missed two matches with a hamstring injury and then came off the bench in the Seville derby against Real Betis on Nov. 6.
He’s yet to score a goal in La Liga this season and is generally in poor form with the rest of his club team, but his talent ensured that he was named in the final squad.
Amine Harit: Marseille forward Harit was stretchered off the pitch during his side’s 3-2 win at Monaco in Ligue 1 on November 13. He was subsequently ruled out of the World Cup on November 16 with Burnley winger Anass Zaroury brought in as his replacement.
Other injuries:
- Ez Abde (muscle): Out since Oct. 23 and did not make the squad.
- Tarik Tissoudali (ACL tear): Out since July 30 and confirmed out for World Cup.
Netherlands injuries World Cup 2022
Memphis Depay: Depay has been struggling for fitness since he was injured on international duty in September, but told reporters he was fit to play. Manager Louis Van Gaal opted to start him on the bench in their opener against Senegal, where he came off the bench and helped them secure a 2-0 win.
Georginio Wijnaldum: After moving to Roma this past summer in the hopes of reviving his club career, he suffered a broken leg just 12 minutes into the season, and will miss the World Cup.
MORE: Final Netherlands squad for World Cup 2022
Poland injuries World Cup 2022
Jakub Moder: With 20 caps at age 23, the Brighton midfielder would have been a likely contributor for Poland, but an ACL tear in early April left him on the outside looking in. He has not yet appeared for Brighton this season, meaning he did not make the final squad.
Bartlomiej Dragowski: The 25-year-old Spezia goalkeeper suffered a broken ankle before his side launched their comeback in a 2-1 win at Verona in the Italian Serie A on November 13, ruling him out of the finals.
Other injuries:
- Robert Gumny (abductor): Returned on Nov. 5 for Augsburg and will be fit for World Cup selection.
MORE: Poland’s final squad for the 2022 World Cup
Portugal injuries World Cup 2022
Diogo Jota: The Liverpool forward returned from a hamstring injury in early October and looked bright, but cruelly suffered a calf injury just weeks later and will be out for the World Cup, thinning the strike options for Portugal behind Cristiano Ronaldo.
Other injuries:
- Pedro Neto (ankle injury): Out since Oct. 1 and out of the World Cup.
- Ricardo Pereira (Achilles tear): Out of World Cup.
MORE: Portugal’s final World Cup squad for Qatar
Qatar injuries for World Cup 2022
Abdullah Al-Ahrak: The Al-Duhail midfielder suffered an ACL tear in January and has not made a single appearance this year with the injury ruling him out of the World Cup.
More: Qatar World Cup squad, as hosts name entirely home-based 26
Saudi Arabia injuries for World Cup 2022
Saleh Al-Shehri: The center forward for Saudi Pro League team Al-Hilal has returned from an Achilles tear, making his first appearance on October 6. He should be fit for selection for the World Cup.
Fahad al-Muwallad: The winger was dropped from the final squad, but not because of injury; instead, he was omitted as a ‘precaution’ due to failing a doping test back in February.
Yasser Al-Shahrani: Left back Al-Shahrani was stretched off in the final minutes of Saudi Arabia’s incredible 2-1 Group C opening win against Argentina, after colliding with goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais, and if a concussion is confirmed, his World Cup could be over.
Senegal injuries for World Cup 2022
Sadio Mane: The big news is that star man Sadio Mane has been ruled out of the tournament. He limped off with injury in Bayern Munich’s 6-1 win over Werder Bremen on November 8. Bayern manager Julian Nagelsmann said Mane “took a knock to the head of his tibia. It’s always uncomfortable. He has to have an X-ray. I hope nothing is wrong”.
French newspaper L’Equipe previously claimed Mane’s injury was severe enough to rule him out of the World Cup as a result of a tendon injury that will keep him out for ‘several weeks’. “We will have to rely on playing the first games without Sadio and win without Sadio,” said Abdoulaye Sow, a board member of the Senegal football federation (FSF), speaking to AP days before the start of the finals. “No-one would have wanted it, but that’s what’s happened to us.”
On November 17, Senegal confirmed that Mane’s recovery would taker longer than hoped and he would therefore be unable to play in Qatar.
Keita Balde: One of the non-injuries on this list, the Spartak Moscow striker was banned in September for an anti-doping violation. His suspension runs through December 5, meaning he would be out for the group stage and Cisse has opted against including him in the final 26.
Cheikhou Kouyate: The Nottingham Forest midfielder landed awkwardly during the opening match against Netherlands and had to be taken off on a stretcher and he is a major doubt to face Qatar on November 25.
Abdou Diallo: Defender Diallo was also taken off against the Netherlands but Cisse indicated it was only as a precaution due to muscle pain and he will return to training tomorrow.
Other injuries:
- Pape Abou Cisse (hip): A hip issue kept him out of four matches in October for Olympiacos, and he played a half-hour in the club’s Europa League group finale and Cisse looks to have recovered in time and is on the plane to Qatar.
- Bouna Sarr (knee surgery): He’s been out since Sept. 3 and having failed to play a single minute for Bayern Munich all season, the World Cup has come round too quickly for him.
MORE: Final Senegal roster for 2022 World Cup in Qatar
Serbia injuries for World Cup 2022
Aleksandar Mitrovic: In spectacular form for Fulham, Mitrovic suffered an ankle injury on international duty in late September and has had to manage through it since. He missed one match on October 9, before returning, and missed another game on November 5 that raised a flag. However, Serbia’s all time leading scorer has been named in the final 26.
Dusan Vlahovic: The Juventus striker has been feeding on scraps all season, and he suffered an adductor injury on October 21, causing him to miss three straight matches, but he has also been included in the squad.
MORE: Final Serbia 26-man World Cup squad
South Korea injuries for World Cup 2022
Son Heung-min: One of the players who could change the fortunes of a national team at the World Cup is Tottenham’s Son Heung-min, who took a blow to the face on October 29 and required surgery on fractures around his eye on Nov. 4.
Although Tottenham manager Antonio Conte says he’s confident that Son will be ready for the World Cup and Son himself has confirmed he will be making the trip to the tournament, it’s tough to know for sure how big an impact the injury could have.
Spain injuries for World Cup 2022
Eric Garcia: Spain are relatively healthy coming into the World Cup, but the Barcelona center-back missed the Champions League game against Viktoria Plzen on November 1 with a hamstring injury. Despite playing a limited amount of football in recent weeks the former Manchester City defender has been included in the squad.
Marcos Llorente: The 27-year-old was withdrawn from Atletico Madrid’s Oct. 4 match against Club Brugge in the first half, suffering a calf muscle tear. He missed an entire month of action, but after returning to action on Nov. 6, Luis Enrique has included the Colchoneros star.
Kepa Arrizabalaga: The Chelsea goalkeeper suffered a muscle tear in his foot, and was rated by Blues boss Graham Potter as “day-by-day” in his press conference on November 8. It was enough to rule him out of Qatar with Luis Enrique naming Premier League pair David Raya and Robert Sanchez as Unai Simon’s backups.
Jose Gaya: The Valencia left-back was a strong chance to start Spain’s opening match, however a sprained ankle picked up in training has meant he will heartbreakingly miss out on the tournament. Barcelona starlet Alex Balde will take his place despite having no international experience.
Other injuries:
- Dani Olmo (knee): Returned to action on Oct. 22 and has been included by Enrique
- Mikel Oyarzabal (ACL tear in March): He has yet to make an appearance this season and was ruled out.
- Cesar Azpilicueta: Picked up a knock to the calf while playing for Chelsea on the eve of the tournament but is expected to be fit.
MORE: Final Spain squad for World Cup 2022
Switzerland injuries World Cup 2022
Yann Sommer: After suffering an ankle injury on October 8, Sommer’s World Cup status looked in serious doubt, but he was named in the final Swiss squad on November 9.
The talented goalkeeper would have been a big miss for Switzerland, although it is still far from certain he will be 100 per cent fit for the opening game against Cameroon on November 24.
Yvon Mvogo: Goalkeeper Mvogo picked up a thigh injury while playing for Lorient in Ligue 1 against Paris Saint-Germain on November 6. The issue has cost the 28-year-old, who has four caps, a second successive World Cup finals place.
MORE: Switzerland World Cup squad
Tunisia injuries World Cup 2022
Ellyes Skhiri: With 48 caps at 27 years old, Skhiri is a key piece of the Tunisia midfield. He suffered a cheekbone fracture that caused him to miss an FC Koln match on October 30, but started against Denmark while wearing a protective face mask.
Other injuries:
- Omar Rekik (muscle): Out since Oct. 23 and was not picked in the final squad.
USA injuries World Cup 2022
Sergino Dest: The full-back has been a backup this season at AC Milan, but at least has seen the field more often than he did at Barcelona. He missed the match on November 5 with adductor fatigue, but he’s still part of Gregg Berhalter’s squad.
Weston McKennie: The midfielder was forced off at halftime on October 29 with a thigh injury and missed the subsequent match for Juventus. It momentarily threw McKennie’s status for the World Cup up in the air, but he made an appearance for Juventus off the bench before the break and is part of Gregg Berhalter’s squad.
Miles Robinson: Slated to start at center-back alongside Walker Zimmerman at the World Cup, Robinson went down with a long-term injury in May and will miss the World Cup. The Atlanta United turf has been a touchy topic after a number of his teammates also suffered injuries this past season.
Other injuries:
- Luca de la Torre (hamstring): Out since Oct. 28, but was selected for the World Cup.
- Josh Sargent (calf): Returned on Nov. 6 and fit for selection. He’s heading to Qatar.
- Matt Turner (groin): Returned on Nov. 6, is on the USMNT roster and is expected to start in goal.
- Chris Richards (hamstring): Out since Sep. 11, he was ruled out of World Cup contention.
MORE: USA national team roster for Qatar
Uruguay injuries World Cup 2022
Ronald Araujo: The Barcelona center-back was injured back in mid-September, missing games for his club since then with an adductor injury. He was thought to be trending towards missing the tournament, but he’s made a miraculous recovery and has been included on the 26-man Uruguay roster.
Araujo had surgery in Finland on September 28 and Barca have an informal agreement with Uruguay that the defender will not play in the group stage, according to Spanish outlet AS, which also claims that the Spanish giants are concerned he may be risked earlier by his country, having taken part in training sessions.
Diego Godin: Diego Godin, now with Velez Sarsfield, has struggled for fitness over the past few months with a nagging knee injury. However, he appeared ready for national team duty, returning to club action in late October for a pair of Argentine top-flight matches. Indeed, he was included on the final 26-man squad.
Other injuries:
- Mauro Arambarri (ankle): The midfielder has been out since Oct. 8 and is ruled out of the World Cup since his injury requires surgery.
MORE: Uruguay’s 26-man roster for World Cup in Qatar
Wales injuries World Cup 2022
Gareth Bale: He made his first appearance for LAFC in over a month, helping his team win the Major League Soccer title on Nov. 5 with a thumping extra-time header to send the match to penalty kicks. There was never a way he was missing out, and head coach Rob Page confirmed he is fit to play.
Joe Allen: The midfielder last played for Swansea on Sept. 17 due to a hamstring issue. He was still included on the final roster and is expected to play a part in Qatar, but was ruled out of the opening match against the United States by head coach Rob Page.
Rhys Norrington-Davies: A hamstring injury picked up by with Sheffield United on Oct. 19 ruled out the 23-year-old wing-back from World Cup selection. He would’ve been a lock to be on the 26-man roster.
Other injuries:
- Tom Lawrence: The Rangers left winger had previously been ruled out of the World Cup, having last played in August due to an unspecified knee injury.
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