The World Cup is the biggest international football tournament in the world, the highlight of every football player’s career. Having the honour to represent their country doesn’t come around often, only once every four years, and only few are lucky enough to experience it more than once or twice. The decision for this year’s World Cup to be held in the middle of the regular football season has led to big name players picking up serious injuries and not having enough time to recover before the tournament's start.
The competition will kick off in Qatar on the 20th of November, holding back young stars like Reece James from competing on the biggest stage for the first time in his life, after his impressive start in this year’s Premier League and players like Kante from defending their 2018 World Cup title.
Chelsea FC reported for both Reece and N’Golo, confirming the seriousness of their injuries. “After consultation between all parties, Reece will now undergo a rehabilitation programme and is expected to be out for eight weeks, after suffering a knee injury against AC Milan," and “N’Golo has undergone an operation on his hamstring injury and will be out for four months.”
Diogo Jota, Liverpool’s striker who hoped to make his first World Cup appearance for Portugal, picked up a muscle injury in the last game against Manchester City. Jurgen Klopp confirmed Jota’s injury, saying “It’s not good news for Jota, he will miss the World Cup.”
There are many other stars whose participation remains doubtful. Argentina’s Paulo Dybala pulled out of a Roma FC game after converting a penalty and having some muscle discomfort. His World Cup future is left at risk, with manager Jose Mourinho reporting that “The injury looks bad, and after talking with Paulo, very bad”.
On the positive side of news, Manchester City’s Kyle Walker, Tottenham’s Richarlison and Juventus’s Di Maria all appear to be winning the race against time to get fit before the World Cup.