World Cup 2022 Injury List: Injured footballers who might not play this World Cup

The World Cup 2022 is every football player's dream competition, but the injury list keeps growing. The greatest players of our generation, Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi, have their eyes on the prize as it is the only competition they have not won. Unfortunately, a few injured footballers are set to miss this prestigious competition due to injuries.

Injuries are normal in sports and prevent players from achieving their full potential. Some renowned names are set to miss the highly-anticipated 2022 World Cup, such as Reece James, N'golo Kante, and Paulo Dybala. Messi recently gave his fans a scare in a Ligue 1 match, but it turned out he was only tying a shoe. So, which footballers might miss this World Cup? More on the injured players who will miss the World Cup below.

Top 10 players missing FIFA World Cup 2022 due to injury

Heartwarming video emerges as journalist breaks downs in tears during an interview with Lionel Messi

Football

Just a few days before the World Cup, many World Class footballers will have to watch the game from the comfort of their homes due to injuries. Here is the World Cup 2022 injury list:

10. Richarlison (Brazil) - Calf injury

He came off limping due to a calf injury in a Premier League match against Everton. The star striker was in tears as he narrated how his World Cup ambitions might be over.

9. Alexander Isak (Sweden) - Thigh injury

His star shone during the 2020 Euros, but his stint at Newcastle United did not start as planned. The talented youngster sustained a thigh injury while on international duty. The team coach Eddie Howe said,

"Alex has been having a couple of injections into his thigh. I believe that's gone well, and the medical team are happy where he currently stands. But it's a longer-term injury, a five or six-week injury, as I've said before, he won't be back before the World Cup break."

5 big name players were dropped from squad amid Cristiano Ronaldo debacle

Football

8. Paulo Dybala (Argentina) - Thigh muscle injury

The Argentine had just joined Italian giants Roma with hopes of rejuvenating his career. He got a calf injury in their clash against Lecce in Serie A. It is unsure whether he will be back before the World Cup, but there is a chance he might have fully recovered.

7. Kalvin Phillips (England) - Shoulder problem

The Man City star also sustained an injury on his shoulder. After being signed by the club, he was only able to make three appearances. He may be in contention for the World Cup, as it is reported that he is feeling well. Pep Guardiola had the following to say about him,

"Yes, if he's fit then I believe he can play. If he's ready he can maybe take minutes but I don't know right now. We'll see. What Kalvin says to me when I find him in the canteen or locker room or on the trip to Dortmund, he said he feels really well. His mobility in the shoulder is perfect. He's started to train in contact with the ball. He has to avoid contact with teammates but he's really well. We're surprised at how quick his development [has been]."

Reece James reveals unknown details of how World Cup dream was crushed through injury

Football

6. Kyle Walker (England) - Groin surgery

The Man City star is one of the best right-backs in the world, with his incredible speed and defending abilities. He got a groin injury in the 6-3 thrashing of Manchester United in the Premier League. He is not expected to be back for the England team in the first match against Iran but may be available for other matches.

5. Angel di Maria (Argentina) Hamstring injury

The Argentine left the pitch in tears after sustaining a hamstring injury while playing for Juventus against Maccabi Haifa in the Champions League. However, the Argentine team is hopeful that he will return in time for the competition.

4. Raphael Varane (France) - Leg injury

The Manchester United and France veteran has had a ride with bad luck after he picked up an injury in a Premier League match against Chelsea. The five-time Champions League winner left the field in tears after picking up the injury while being comforted by his teammates. Here is what Erik Ten Hag, his manager, had to say,

Brazil legend Ronaldo de Lima wants Lionel Messi to flop at 2022 World Cup

Football

"He will be out, certainly until the World Cup so he will not play in this block for Manchester United. I think [he can play at the World Cup] but the prognosis we have to wait."

Raphael Varane's injury may heal by the World Cup, but the team is skeptical.

3. Reece James (England) - Knee injury

The Chelsea star has been unlucky with injuries in the last few months. He picked up an injury in the high-intensity Champions League match against AC Milan and is out past the World Cup. This leaves England at a disadvantage since all their right-backs have injuries.

In an interview, he said,

"I will try and not rule myself out. It is still slow and in the early stages. I have been in rehab for two weeks, so I am still taking it day-by-day. The Chelsea medical staff have not given me a percentage of my chance of being back for the World Cup. It is down to how I feel closer to the time and how stable it is... I am trying to be positive. I am not not sure how long this injury will take. I am not in pain. But if I try to speed it up, it might be a bit of a risk. I am trying hard every day to improve and make it right."

Raphael Varane warned about World Cup position by France boss Didier Deschamps amid injury concerns

Football

The star is a sure pick for Gareth Southgate if he is fit.

2. N'Golo Kante (France) - Hamstring injury; out for four months after surgery

Yet another French star on the list. The Chelsea midfield king got the injury when Chelsea was facing Tottenham in a Premier League game. The medical department reported that,

"The midfielder visited a specialist with the club's medical department to explore the options for his rehabilitation approach, and it was mutually agreed for N'Golo to have surgery to repair the damage. Following a successful operation, N'Golo is now expected to be sidelined for four months."

1. Paul Pogba (France) - Surgery on a damaged meniscus

Topping the list of injured footballers in 2022 is Paul Pogba. His move to Juventus has not gone how he expected, as the star midfielder has yet to make an appearance for the club. While recovering from knee surgery, he sustained another muscular injury during training. France cannot risk playing the star as it might affect him more.

Raheem Sterling sent World Cup warning by Chelsea legend after humiliating Brighton defeat

Football

Why are so many footballers getting injured?

Most footballers got injured mainly due to unfitness as the season just started. However, it is noted that some players fake the injuries so that they do not miss the World Cup due to a real injury.

Can an injured soccer player come back in?

Yes, as long as they do so with the referee's permission. Also, the player should not have been substituted by another player. If another player comes in, the injured player cannot return.

Will the 2022 World Cup affect the Premier League?

Yes. The Premier League schedule changes, and they take a break for the World Cup, as many top-class players will be in the tournament.

Congested calendar raises injury risk for World Cup stars

Football

Who is the most injured soccer player?

Former Arsenal player Abou Diaby tops the list of the most injured footballers. He sustained 21 injuries in his career, losing 1747 days of playtime. He was regarded as one of the most creative midfielders.

The World Cup 2022 injury list seems to be growing daily, with more injured footballers getting their dreams crashed. Great players like Paul Pogba, N'golo Kante, Raphael Varane, and Reece James may have to forfeit the World Cup due to injuries. They hope to be fit again before the World Cup to represent their countries and make them proud.

READ ALSO: UEFA men's player of the year award: A list of all the past winners and runners-up

Sportsbrief.com also published a list of past winners and runners-up of the UEFA men's player of the year award. The award is one of the most prestigious awards in football history. Great names like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Benzema have won it.

Arsenal in talks to sign talented MLS winger as competition for Bukayo Saka in January

Football

So, who are the other winners? Who won it in 2022? Read more by clicking on the link above!