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    World Cup 2022 – injured players to miss tournament: Diogo Jota the latest to be added in devastating blow for Portugal

    QATAR’s World Cup will see the most famous names in world football face off against each other over November and December.England will be hoping to bring home the trophy after reaching the semi-final stages in 2018 before suffering defeat to Croatia.
    Qatar has been hit with World Cup fever
    The likes of Brazil, France, Spain and Germany will be standing in the way of Gareth Southgate’s men as the top performing stars in football battle it out for international glory.
    However, there are set to be many noticeable absences as the tournament approaches.
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    Who will miss the 2022 World Cup in Qatar?
    The likes of Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah will not be making the trip to the Middle East, having failed to qualify with their countries, while Italy also will not feature at the tournament.
    Alongside these noticeable absentees, other big names will miss out due to no fault of their own.
    We have you covered with all the latest injury news ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, missing through injury.
    Egypt’s Mohamed Sala , reacts after failing to score his penalty kick against Senegal during the World Cup 2022 Africa play-off matchCredit: AP
    Argentina
    AS Roma star Paulo Dybala could be set to miss the World Cup after suffering a freak injury against Lecce in October, with his boss Jose Mourinho admitting : “The injury looks very bad. I’d say bad, but honestly after speaking with Paulo… I think very bad”.
    He could be joined on the sidelines by teammates Joaquin Correa, who is doubtful for the tournament due to a knee injury and veteran Angel Di Maria, who sustained a thigh problem.
    Australia
    The Socceroos will be likely be without Kye Rowles after he broke his foot, while Harry Southar was doubtful but is in line for a return for Stoke City before the tournament so could be called up.
    Belgium
    Alexis Saelemaekers is set to miss the tournament as the AC Milan star was ruled out for the remainder of 2022 after picking up a serious knee injury, seeing him out of action between six and eight weeks.
    Paulo Dybala will miss the World Cup with injury
    Brazil
    Liverpool loanee Arthur Melo has been ruled out of the tournament also, suffering a long-term muscular injury after failing to nail down a starting spot during the beginning of his spell in England.
    Cameroon
    As it stands, Cameroon have a fully fit squad going into the World Cup as they look to impress at the tournament.
    Canada
    Like Cameroon, the Canadians are without any injury concerns.
    Costa Rica
    The South Americans go into the tournament also with a fully fit squad.
    Liverpool midfielder Arthur Melo, on loan from Juventus, will miss the World Cup
    Croatia
    Marcelo Brozovic has faced a spell out with injury but if thought to be fit enough for selection despite his hamstring issues.
    Denmark
    Andreas Christensen has faced three weeks on the sidelines for Barcelona with an ankle injury but should be back in time to travel to Qatar.
    Ecuador
    Joao Rojas has been ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury, while teammates Gonzalo Plata and Robert Arbeloda are also doubtful.
    England
    Kalvin Phillips and Emile Smith Rowe will be unavailable for selection after surgeries on shoulder and groin injuries respectively.
    Reece James is expected to miss the tournament also, with Chelsea ruling their defender out for eight weeks as Kyle Walker could also miss the World Cup to Southgate’s blow.
    Man City pair Kalvin Phillips and Kyle Walker are likely to be out of the England squad after requiring surgery
    France
    Boubacar Kamara will not be seen in Qatar after suffering a knee injury, while there are a host of doubts for the French national team.
    Lucas Digne, Lucas Hernandez, N’Golo Kante and Presnel Kimpembe are all doubtful to make the tournament as France may have to dive into their depth if they are to make it to the latter stages of the tournament.
    Paul Pogba has handed Didier Deschamps’ men a boost as he is set to return for Juventus.
    Germany
    Marco Reus was close to World Cup heartbreak after an ankle injury at Borussia Dortmund but could still make the tournament as Florian Wirtz faces a race against time to recover from an ACL issue.
    Ghana
    Ghana have no injury concerns heading into the World Cup.
    Iran
    Striker Sardar Azmoun is said to be a doubt after sustaining a calf injury while Allahyar Sayyadmanesh faces a race against time to return for England’s Group B rivals.
    N’Golo Kante has suffered another injury setback for Chelsea
    Japan
    Former Arsenal winger Ryo Miyaichi has been ruled out with an ACL injury while another former Gunner Takuma Asano remains a doubt alongside Ko Itakura, both with knee problems.
    Mexico
    Jesus Corona will be out of the tournament after breaking his leg while Wolves striker Raul Jimenez faces a race against time to return.
    Netherlands
    Former Liverpool midfielder Gini Wijnaldum will miss the World Cup with a broken leg while Matthijs de Ligt remains a doubt with a groin injury.
    Poland
    Brighton’s Jakub Moder will miss the tournament with an ACL injury while Pawel Dawidowicz remains doubtful.
    Jesus Corona is another big name absentee for the World Cup
    Portugal
    Portugal have been hit hard as Diogo Jota is the latest confirmed absentee for the tournament.
    Pedro Neto and Ricardo Periera are also unavailable through injury. Nuno Mendes and Pepe are also doubts going into the tournament.
    Qatar
    Host nation Qatar will be without Abdullah Al-Ahrak due to a cruciate ligament injury, ruling him out of the home tournament.
    Saudi Arabia
    Saudi Arabia have a fully fit team heading into the competition.
    Senegal
    There is a double blow for the African side as Bouna Sarr is out with a knee injury and Keita Balde is banned due to an anti-doping violation.
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    Serbia
    Ivan Ilicic and Darko Lazovic are both doubts for the World Cup due to muscular problems.
    South Korea
    South Korea have no fresh injury concerns heading into the tournament.
    Spain
    Luis Enrique’s side could be without duo Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal as they remain doubts heading into the World Cup.
    Switzerland
    The Swiss go into the competition with a fresh squad and no injury concerns.
    Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal will hope to return in time for Spain
    Tunisia
    Tunisia are optimistic, with no absentees as of now.
    United States
    Miles Robinson’s achilles injury has put him as a doubt ahead of November but the rest of the squad are fit as they hope to fire the USMNT to glory this winter.
    Uruguay
    Ronald Araujo is one of the latest Barcelona players to be struck by injury, with his groin issue ruling him out for Uruguay.
    Wales
    England’s final group stage opponents, Wales, have a fully fit side as they look to cause an upset in Qatar.
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    Three Lions song could have lyrics changed and be re-released this Christmas ahead of Qatar World Cup

    ENGLAND’S iconic World Cup anthem Three Lions could be re-released ahead of this year’s tournament.Lightning Seeds singer Ian Broudie teased an updated version with a festive twist because the World Cup will “only probably ever be at Christmas once”.
    Lightning Seeds singer Ian Broudie (centre) has teased a re-release of the iconic Three Lions songCredit: PA:Press Association
    Frank Skinner (centre) and David Baddiel (right) released the original track with the Lightning SeedsCredit: PA:Press Association
    A new version would celebrate the Lionesses’ Euros victoryCredit: Getty
    Any potential re-release would also reference to the Lionesses’ historic Euros win from the summer.
    The Lightning Seeds originally recorded the famous track with Frank Skinner and David Baddiel ahead of Euro 96.
    Ever since then England fans have spent major tournaments hoping the iconic football’s coming home lyrics would finally come true.
    But with the tournament getting underway next month, there is not much time left for another collaboration.
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    Broudie has revealed it would be “a good idea” to update the iconic song after Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses did exactly that earlier this year.
    The team celebrated their triumph by hilariously interrupting Wiegman’s press conference after the final while belting out the lyrics to the song.
    Broudie said, via the BBC: “The way they played and won, it was so refreshing to watch.
    “And when they came into the press conference and jumped on the table and sang Three Lions, I think we felt like it would be lovely to do something.”
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    The Three Lions kick off their 2022 World Cup campaign in a little over a month against Iran.
    Speaking on a re-release, he said: “I don’t think it’s 100% definite, but it’s definitely on the cards.”
    But while football has already come home this year, Broudie wants Gareth Southgate and Co to get the job done in Qatar.
    He added: “Even if it comes home, you want it to come home again.
    “It’s a bit like ‘oh you just won that, let’s win it again’.”
    Three Lions topped the charts in 1996 ahead of the Euros and in 2018 after England’s run to the semi-finals.
    An updated version released for the 1998 World Cup also reached No1 in the charts.
    Football has already come home once this yearCredit: Getty
    Gareth Southgate is aiming to lead England men’s team to a first World Cup triumph since 1966Credit: Getty More

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    Arsenal players at World Cup 2022: 18 stars set for Qatar with seven to stay at home

    ARSENAL aces aim to take their Samba-style hot form to Qatar.Three Brazilian join a trio of Three Lions among up to 18 Gunners who could go to the World Cup, with around seven players missing out.
    Brazilian centre-back Gabriel, England centre-back Ben White and Three Lions’ keeper Aaron Ramsdale, are all hoping for World Cup placesCredit: Getty
    England winger Bukayo Saka and Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus have been in scintillating form for the Gunners ahead of the World CupCredit: Getty
    Exciting attackers Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Jesus could get the chance to make their biggest impact yet on the international stage.
    And two unsung midfielders who skipper their national sides will expect to have key roles in Qatar.
    Switzerland’s Granit Xhaka has looked reborn under Emirates chief Mikel Arteta this season, although Ghana hero Thomas Partey will be anxious to avoid more fitness problems.
    But one star definitely absent, due to groin surgery, is three-cap Englishman Emile Smith Rowe.
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    And a batch of young Gunners hope the World Cup has not come too early for them, such as Portugal’s Cedric Soares and Belgium midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga.
    Here’s our guide to the Arsenal men fighting for spots in Qatar.
    ENGLAND
    Wideman Bukayo Saka is the only Gunner likely to start for the Three Lions.
    Versatile defender Ben White could scrape into Gareth Southgate’s squad, while Aaron Ramsdale is tipped to be one of the two back-up keepers to Jordan Pickford.
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    BRAZIL
    Gabriel Jesus has arguably been the Prem’s top striker this season – except of course for Erling Haaland at his old club Manchester City.
    And of the Gunners’ three Brazilian Gunners, he’s in pole position to make Tite’s World Cup squad.
    Defender Magalhaes and wideman Martinelli, however, should also make the party.
    PORTUGAL
    Right-back Cedric Soares, 31, and playmaker Fabio Vieira, 22, are struggling to make Fernando Santos’ powerful squad.
    FRANCE
    William Saliba’s brilliant breakthrough campaign at the Emirates, after three loan spells away, means he’s suddenly a near cert for the French squad.
    But a starting spot looks a tough ask as France have one of the world’s most formidable selections are blessed with one of the best selection of centre-backs.
    USA
    Ex- New England Revolution keeper Matt Turner appears sure to go.
    And Auston Trusty, the right-back recruited from Stan Kroenke’s Colorado Rapids, is shining brightly enough on loan for Birmingham to also have a real chance.
    Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka are major players for Ghana and Switzerland respectively and also enjoying their best seasons for ArsenalCredit: Getty
    SWITZERLAND
    Granit Xhaka is finally a fixture for Arsenal – just like he’s long been for Switzerland in winning 106 caps as anchorman.
    Only injury can deny the 30-year-old the winter sun in Qatar.
    GHANA
    Xhaka’s midfield partner Thomas Partey is nailed on for the World Cup – as long as he doesn’t pick up yet another untimely injury.
    BELGIUM
    Former Anderlecht midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga is sweating on his World Cup place after playing just a bit-part role for the Gunners.
    JAPAN
    Despite limited game-time at club level after recovering from injury, right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu should be a solid contributor for outsiders Japan.
    SPAIN
    Full-back Hector Bellerin must be long odds to make the Spanish squad, having slipped well down the pecking order at the Emirates.
    MEXICO
    Having rebuffed England and Canada in favour of Mexico, 19-year-old attacking midfielder Marcelo Flores is pushing for a spot in Qatar
    TUNISIA
    Dutch-born centre-back Omar Rekik, 19, should go to Qatar, particularly as he’s performing well for Sparta Rotterdam on loan.
    STAYING AT HOME
    Kieran Tierney, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Martin Odegaard are big-name absentees, while Mohamed Elneny also misses out.
    Former England Under-21 stars Rob Holding and Reiss Nelson are also preparing for a mount without action.
    And Emile Smith Rowe is recovering from groin problems. More

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    Man Utd players at World Cup 2022: 21 stars set for Qatar with 10 to stay at home

    CRISTIANO RONALDO and Harry Maguire hope their troubled domestic seasons don’t dent their World Cup hopes as TWENTY-ONE Manchester United players bid for places in Qatar.All-time great Ronaldo, 37, is still a Portugal fixture, despite first-ever question marks over his hero status at international level.
    Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo and England centre-back Harry Maguire are important players at international level despite problems with Man UtdCredit: Rex
    Argentina centre-back Lisandro Martinez, Brazil anchorman Casemiro and France star Raphael Varane are confident of World Cup placesCredit: Reuters
    And centre-back Maguire has been backed all the way by England chief Gareth Southgate despite losing his regular starting spot at Old Trafford.
    Luke Shaw and even Marcus Rashford might also be slightly nervous over their squad places for this winter’s tournament.
    But of United’s five Lions, it’s back-up keeper Dean Henderson and attacker Jadon Sancho who are under most danger of missing out.
    Four Brazilian Red Devils – Alex Telles, Fred, Casemiro, Antony – should all make the cut.
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    But while Tyrell Malacia’s Old Trafford emergence makes him a likely traveller, fellow Dutchman Donny van de Beek appears sure to stay at home as his United nightmare continues.
    Here’s our breakdown of the probables, possibles and extreme long-shots of United players targeting the 2022 World Cup – with at least 10 men set to stay at home.
    ENGLAND
    Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are relying on Gareth Southgate’s loyalty to make the squad.
    Marcus Rashford is strongly backed for a recall after returning to both form and fitness.
    But Dean Henderson might be England’s stay-at-home, standby keeper – behind Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsey and Nick Pope.
    And Jadon Sancho is tipped by many to miss out after his in-and-out season at Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag.
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    PORTUGAL
    Record scorer Cristiano Ronaldo and goal-getting midfielder Bruno Fernandes are certs.
    And right-back Diogo Dalot is likely to go amid his best campaign at Old Trafford so far.
    BRAZIL
    Midfielders Fred and Casemiro should remain in the Brazil squad this winter.
    Fringe left-back Alex Telles could squeeze onto the plane.
    And over the past few months ex-Ajax attacker Antony has played his way into a probable World Cup place/
    FRANCE
    Raphael Varane appears sure to be one of the French squad’s awesome array of centre-backs.
    But frontman Anthony Martial’s dodgy fitness record means he’s an uncertain traveller.
    ARGENTINA
    Having overcome a testing start to his Old Trafford career, former Ajax central defender Lisandro Martinez is strongly fancied to make this winter’s tournament.
    SPAIN
    Incredibly, United’s long-time No1 David de Gea is expected to remain Spain’s FOURTH-CHOICE stopper – and miss the World Cup.
    International boss Luis Enrique prefers ball-playing keepers – and has stuck with Unai Simon, Robert Sanchez and David Raya.
    HOLLAND
    Tyrell Malacia’s breakthrough campaign at left-back should earn him a place in Qatar.
    But midfielder Donny van de Beek will surely sit out the tournament after scarcely playing for Old Trafford chief Erik ten Hag.
    Donny van de Beek is unlikely to make the World Cup but Tyrell Malacia shouldCredit: Reuters
    DENMARK
    Impressing in his first season at Old Trafford, midfield stylist Christian Eriksen is poised for an astonishing comeback on the biggest international stage, two years after a near-fatal heart attack at Euro 2022.
    TUNISIA
    France-born playmaker Hannibal Mejbri, 19, is already a key man for the Tunisians.
    And his loan spell with Birmingham has bolstered his match sharpness, ensuring his place in the national squad this winter.
    URUGUAY
    Winger Facundo Pellistri, 20, should travel to Qatar, despite failing to earn game-time for United.
    STAYING AT HOME
    A host of talented Old Trafford fringe players will miss out.
    Uncapped English full-backs Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Brandon Williams seem set to stay at home, along with centre-backs Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly, Axel Tuanzebe and Phil Jones.
    Also not going are keepers Martin Dubravka and Tom Heaton, plus Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay and Swedish starlet Anthony Elanga. More

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    Qatar World Cup 2022 cabins look like shipping containers and will set fans back almost £200 a NIGHT

    SUPPORTERS heading to the World Cup will fork out almost £200-a-night to stay in “cabins” that resemble a glorified shipping container.The biggest event in football hits Qatar next month but supporters heading to the Middle East to stay in the Fan Village will find themselves packed in like sardines.
    The official Fan Village Cabins will set fans back almost £200-a-night in QatarCredit: www.qatar2022.qa
    A recent photo taken by Bloomberg has shown how it currently resembles shipping containersCredit: Bloomberg
    Fan Village Cabins Zafaran offer a choice of a double or twin en-suite bedroomCredit: www.qatar2022.qa
    The on-site facilities include a number of food outlets offering a range of cuisinesCredit: www.qatar2022.qa
    Accommodation has been one of the main issues for England fans and their respective counterparts from other nations ahead of the big kick-off.
    Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022 officials have today announced that 30,000 rooms have been added to accommodation offerings with just over 30 days until the opening game, according to The Peninsula.
    These range from apartments, villas, cruise ship hotels, hotels and the fan villages.
    However, Bloomberg have revealed what the current state of the latter is – and you could be forgiven for thinking you were looking at a shipping dock rather than the tournament’s official fan village.
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    The Qatar 2022 website describes it as: “Fan Village Cabins Zafaran offer a choice of a double or twin en-suite bedroom, sleeping up to two people. Amenities in each cabin include tea and coffee making facilities, two bottles of water per day, a fridge, bed linen and bathroom towels.
    “The village’s on-site facilities include a number of food outlets offering a range of cuisines.
    “Just a short distance away are Lusail Shooting Club, Losail International Circuit and Lusail Stadium. The nearest metro station gives guests the opportunity to explore tourist sites, including Katara beach and cultural village, West Bay, Souq Waqif and Msheireb Downtown Doha.”
    Any England, or any other fans wishing to attend and stay there, will have to fork out £183-a-night per unit.
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    The official computerised images used to advertise the accommodation does provide an insight into how cramped the conditions will be – but Bloomberg’s aerial shot gives a much greater view of exactly how tight it will get.
    The photo was taken last month after the author of the article spotted what they thought were “shipping containers” – and they go on to recommend it “if you’re willing to take a chance on an adventure” but warns against it if you want to be sure “you’ll get a good night’s sleep”.
    Qatar will welcome around 1.2m visitors next month and now they at least have an additional 30,000 rooms to choose from if they don’t fancy living on top of each other at the fan village.
    Supreme Committee for Delivery &Legacy Director General, Eng. Yasir Al Jamal, said: “There is a high demand for accommodation, especially among the group stages.
    “We have sold around 2 million room nights throughout the tournament, and I’m happy to announce that an additional 30,000 rooms have been added to the Accommodation Agency platform.
    “That’s equivalent to around 1 million room nights in line with the last minute ticket sales.”

    Fans heading to Qatar will be able to drink for up to 19 HOURS a day at the official fan festival.
    There will also be a fan zone curated by Arcadia, hosts of the spectacular arena which features at the Glastonbury Festival.
    But a pint won’t come cheap – with a beer expected to cost £8 – and special “sobering up” tents have been announced for those deemed to be too tipsy.
    Another issue for fans to watch out for is taking their tops off.Those who strip off have been warned they face being slapped with a hefty fine.
    England begin their World Cup campaign against Iran on November 21.
    They then take on USA on November 25 before their final group clash with Wales four days later. More

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    Injured XI: Stars who look set to miss the World Cup including N’Golo Kante, Reece James, Paul Pogba and Diogo Jota

    A NUMBER of major stars are set to miss out on next month’s World Cup due to injuries. The unprecedented mid-season tournament has left players in the perilous position of knowing an early season strain could stop them going to Qatar.
    It was revealed this afternoon that Jota will miss the World Cup with injuryCredit: Getty
    Chelsea and England are hoping that Reece James makes a quick recovery from injuryCredit: Getty
    Paul Pogba’s World Cup chances do not look particularly strong after a knee issue kept him out all seasonCredit: AFP
    Several have already suffered that fate, with the likes of Portuguese stars Diogo Jota and Pedro Neto and French defender Boubacar Kamara certain to miss football’s biggest competition.
    But others, such as Chelsea duo Reece James and N’Golo Kante, and Juventus’ Paul Pogba, remain major doubts and could potentially make it with a rapid rehabilitation.
    There are now so many players with injuries threatening their World Cup place an entire starting XI can be put together.
    In goal would be the Argentine stopper Juan Musso, whose injury has been disrupted with a face injury.
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    The keeper, whose club is Italian side Atlanta, had facial surgery to mend the issue but could miss out on Qatar.
    Doubts also surround Real Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois, who has missed all of his club games since the international break due to injury.
    In defence would be Kamara, who tore his knee ligaments only eight games into his Villa career.
    He would be joined by Barcelona and Uruguay star Ronald Araujo who suffered a thigh injury in September and is likely to miss out.
    A first XI of stars currently injured and who could miss out on the World Cup
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    Left-back Lucas Digne is another French star from their injury-hit international squad who is set to miss out, while England’s right-back Reece James’ World Cup future is hanging in the balance after he limped off against AC Milan in the Champions League.
    In midfield French pair N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba are both major doubts. Kante has not played any football since August as he struggles with reoccurring injuries.
    While Pogba’s return to Juventus was sullied after a knee injury which could see him fail to make Didier Deschamps’ squad.
    The pair are joined in the injury XI by ex Liverpool ace Georginio Wijnaldum. The Dutch midfielder played just one game on loan at Roma before suffering a fractured tibia in his right leg.
    Doubts also remain about Kalvin Phillips’ fitness due to his shoulder injury.
    Up front and Mexico’s Raul Jimenez could face a struggle to get to Qatar. The Wolves striker is dealing with a groin issue.
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    His club teammate Pedro Neto will be absent from the World Cup after sustaining an ankle injury against West Ham earlier this month.
    While making up the front three would be Diogo Jota who it was announced today would definitely be missing out after he was stretchered off in Liverpool’s win over Manchester City. More

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    Why is Antonio Rudiger wearing a mask during Real Madrid’s match with Elche?

    REAL MADRID summer signing Antonio Rudiger will be masked up for Los Blanco’s match against Elche – and it’s not for fashion.The former Chelsea defender previously wore a mask during his time with the Blues due to a facial injury.
    Antonio Rudiger wore a mask during El ClasicoCredit: Rex
    And Eagle eyed fans spotted that Rudiger continued his new look while representing Germany at the Euro 2020.
    But why has he gone back to wearing a mask this time round?
    Why is Antonio Rudiger wearing a mask?
    Antonio Rudiger is wearing a mask courtesy of another horror facial injury he sustained in a Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk.
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    The German international bravely threw himself at a stoppage time cross to beat goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin to the ball, heading it into the net.
    Rudiger and Trubin were involved in a sickening head collisionCredit: EPA
    Both players were in need of immediate medical assistanceCredit: EPA
    Rudiger reportedly needed 20 stitches to seal his gaping woundCredit: Reuters
    But Rudiger colliding with Trubin in the process which saw both players needing immediate attention.
    Trubin required bandaging before the game could continue while Ruidger had to be escorted off the pitch as he had lost a huge amount of blood through an open wound which ran all down his shirt.
    And it had been reported that Rudiger required approximately 20 stitches to seal the open cut.
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    What has been said?
    Reports from Spain claim that Rudiger has undergone tests to see if he has suffered a fractured skull.
    But the Real Madrid star kept his spirits high by posting an image on Instagram during the plane journey home saying: “We alive.”
    Rudiger, 29, also tweeted: “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I am okay – thanks for all your messages.”
    Why did Antonio Rudiger wear a mask at Euro 2020?
    Ironically, Antonio Ruidger suffered a facial injury against his current team Real Madrid when he representing Chelsea.
    Rudiger wore a mask during Euro 2020Credit: Getty
    The German received a blow to his face from Alvaro Odriozola towards the end of their Champions League clash.
    And it had been claimed to of ruptured a bone on the side of his face forcing Rudiger to wear a protective mask. More

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    England rivals Iran should be KICKED OUT of World Cup 2022 after deaths of more than 200 protesters, campaigners demand

    FIFA are being urged to kick Iran out of the World Cup just a month before the brutal Islamic state plays its opener in Qatar against England.Campaigners are demanding football’s world governing body take a stand after more than 200 protesters were killed in a crackdown by Iran’s religious morality police.
    Mahsa Amini, 22, was beaten to death by Iran’s morality policeCredit: Rex
    Carlos Queiroz is set to lead Iran at the World CupCredit: AFP
    The country has been rocked by an uprising triggered when a student died in police custody after she was held for not wearing her headscarf correctly.
    It comes as Iran faces global outrage for shipping weapons to Vladimir Putin’s beleaguered forces in Ukraine.
    The kamikaze drones which slammed into residential areas of Kyiv yesterday killing at least seven people came from Iran.
    The hijab protests erupted last month after student Mahsa Amini, 22, died following her arrest in Tehran by the country’s religious morality police.
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    More than 200 people including 23 children have since died in the biggest threat to the Islamic state since it seized power in the 1979 revolution.
    Protesters are now demanding Fifa act with just 34 days to go before Iran’s opener in Qatar against the Three Lions at the Khalifa International Stadium on November 21.
    Even Iran’s own players have slammed their government.
    Striker Sardar Azmoun, 27, who plays for Bayer Leverkusen in the German Bundesliga, said on Instagram: “Shame on you for killing the people and women of Iran.”
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    And former team manager and ex-captain Ali Daei, 53, who held the record for most international goals with 109 until it was overtaken by Cristiano Ronaldo, had his passport confiscated when he spoke out.
    A petition which has gained more than 12,000 signatures on change.org called on Fifa to boot the country out of the tournament.
    It accused Iran of suppressing “legitimate protests” by “arresting, torturing, and killing” its own citizens.
    Another group is campaigning under the slogan #DisqualifyIranianRegimeFromTheWorldCup.
    A spokesman said: “Iran violates international human rights time and time again. It disregards international conventions leading to horrific, extreme human rights violations and terror acts against their own citizens.
    “Even the agreement with Fifa to allow women to attend qualification games for the World Cup was rescinded by this regime who sent their forces to violently keep women from entering the stadium.
    “The Iranian regime crushes human rights on a daily basis – Iran should be disqualified from the Fifa World Cup.”
    We will hold you to account for your repression of women and girlsJames Cleverly
    Britain has imposed sanctions on the morality police in an attempt to end the violent clampdown.
    Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: “These sanctions send a clear message to the Iranian authorities – we will hold you to account for your repression of women and girls and for the shocking violence you have inflicted on your own people.”
    But campaigners feel that kicking Iran out of the World Cup would send a much stronger message to the brutal regime.
    Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Iran of supplying weapons to Russia.
    Iranian-made drones killed at least seven people in the latest attacks on residential areas of Kyiv yesterday.
    And Western officials have said that Iran plans to supply more attack drones and surface-to-surface missiles to use against Ukrainian cities and troop positions.
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    Among the armaments being shipped to Russian forces are Fateh-110 and Zolfaghar missiles, short-range ballistic missiles capable of striking targets 430 miles away.
    Fifa has been contacted for comment. More