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      World Cup 2022 – injured players to miss tournament: Chilwell, Pogba, Kante all OUT of Qatar competition, Messi a DOUBT

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      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.
      France’s Paul Pogba will be sadly absent in QatarCredit: AFP
      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.
      Here is a full list of absentees from Qatar, which SunSport will keep updated between now and November 20.
      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”.
      Things have gone from bad to worse for Argentina, with Lionel Messi now a doubt after suffering an achilles injury just weeks before the tournament.
      However, there is hope that he will return to action for PSG before the tournament and be fit for Qatar.
      Paulo Dybala will miss the World Cup with injury

      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.
      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.
      Liverpool midfielder Arthur Melo, on loan from Juventus, will miss the World Cup
      Cameroon
      As it stands, Cameroon have a fully fit squad going into the World Cup as they look to impress at the tournament.
      Canada
      The Canadians are without any injury concerns.
      Alphonso Davies received a bump to the head against Plzen in the Champions League, but recovered and returned to action for Bayern Munich with no long-term injury.
      Alphonso Davies will be going to the World Cup with CanadaCredit: AP
      Costa Rica
      The Central Americans go into the tournament also with a fully fit squad.
      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
      Ben Chilwell will officially not be heading to Qatar due to sustaining a hamstring injury in Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Dinamo Zagreb.
      Kalvin Phillips and Emile Smith Rowe will be unavailable for selection after surgeries on shoulder and groin injuries respectively.
      Man City pair Kalvin Phillips and Kyle Walker are likely to be out of the England squad after requiring surgery
      Reece James is expected to miss the tournament also, with Chelsea ruling their defender out for eight weeks.
      However, after being sent to Dubai for rehabilitation, the defender has admitted that he is refusing to give up on his dream of making the World Cup squad.
      England are also sweating over the fitness and availability of several other players.
      Firstly, Kyle Walker could miss the World Cup to Southgate’s blow but will hope to return in time while teammate John Stones has been absent for Man City with a hamstring injury.
      Ben Chilwell was helped off by medical staff against Dinamo ZagrebCredit: Rex
      The defender had struggled with an ACL injury in the past and was substituted in the dying minutes, appearing in some discomfort before leaving the stadium on crutches.
      England begin their World Cup campaign in under two weeks

      France
      Paul Pogba will miss out for France, it has been confirmed.
      The Juventus talisman suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee injury, and will play no part in Qatar.
      While fellow midfield sensation N’Golo Kante will also not take to the biggest stage of them all.
      Kante has undergone an operation on a hamstring injury.
      Boubacar Kamara will not be seen in Qatar after suffering a knee injury and there are a host of doubts for the reigning champions.
      N’Golo Kante has suffered another injury setback for Chelsea
      Lucas Digne, Lucas Hernandez 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.
      And Manchester United star Raphael Varane is the latest Frenchman who could miss the World Cup after going off in tears against Chelsea.
      But the latest news is that Varane is expected to be out of action until at least the World Cup, with there being a chance that he is back in time to travel with France, Erik ten Hag has confirmed.
      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.
      However, his German compatriot Timo Werner has been RULED OUT of the tournament after sustaining an ankle injury.
      Ghana
      Ghana have no injury concerns heading into the World Cup.
      Iran
      Allahyar Sayyadmanesh faces a race against time to return for England’s Group B rivals.
      Iran’s hopes will be lying on the fitness of ‘the Iranian Messi’ Sardar Azmoun, who has suffered with calf injuries this season but looks good to go.
      Sardar Azmoun will be hoping to fire Iran to gloryCredit: AFP
      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.
      As things stand, it would take a huge stroke of fortune for Jimenez to return, he is currently in Mexico with a reported chronic fatigue problem, having missed most of Wolves’ recent Premier League games.
      The striker has not been his usual self since fracturing his skull in 2020, but has been a regular starter for Wolves since coming back.
      Jesus Corona is another big name absentee for the World Cup
      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.
      Portugal
      Portugal have been hit hard as Diogo Jota is the latest confirmed absentee for the tournament.
      Diogo Jota will miss the World Cup after being stretchered off for LiverpoolCredit: PA
      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.
      read more world cup
      Serbia
      Ivan Ilicic and Darko Lazovic are both doubts for the World Cup due to muscular problems.
      South Korea
      South Korea will be hoping that Son Heung-min can make a full recovery after suffering a fracture around his eye, which requires surgery just weeks ahead of 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.
      Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal will hope to return in time for Spain
      Switzerland
      The Swiss go into the competition with a fresh squad and no injury concerns.
      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 thought to have ruled him out of action.
      However, Director of National Teams of the Uruguayan Football Association, Jorge Giordano, has provided a positive update, stating that they expect Araujo to be fit for Uruguay.
      Most read in Football
      Wales
      England’s final group stage opponents, Wales, have a fully fit side as they look to cause an upset in Qatar.
      Gareth Bale has had a few injury issues to deal with along the way, as has Aaron Ramsey, who is notoriously injury-prone.
      Who else will miss the 2022 World Cup in Qatar?
      The likes of Erling Haaland and Mo 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. More

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      Gareth Southgate FINALLY gets good injury news as Pep Guardiola confirms Kalvin Phillips WILL be fit for World Cup

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      PEP GUARDIOLA believes England midfielder Kalvin Phillips is on course to make the World Cup.Phillips will make his comeback for Manchester City after a shoulder injury this week.
      Kalvin Phillips has returned to Man City trainingCredit: PA
      And City boss Guardiola also gave a positive Qatar update on the fitness of Kyle Walker, with the defender making fast progress from groin surgery.
      Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate announces his 26-man squad on Thursday and was at the Etihad to watch City’s win over Fulham.
      And Guardiola said: “Kalvin is feeling really better. He trained with us yesterday for the second day, full session, full contact and will be involved for the Chelsea game in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.
      “Maybe on the bench, but he will be there.
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      “Kyle, too, is feeling much better. He had his surgery after Kalvin so maybe not so far ahead as Kalvin, but he is feeling fine.”
      The morale-boosting news for Southgate came just hours after Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell was ruled out with a hamstring injury, while Blues team-mate Reece James is also sidelined with a knee injury.
      Scans confirmed Chilwell tore his left hamstring against Dinamo Zagreb last Wednesday.
      The left-back tweeted: “Following my ACL injury I worked so hard to make sure I was ready for the World Cup.
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      “It has always been a dream of mine.
      “Unfortunately, this won’t be possible following my scan results.
      “I’ll do all I can to get back playing for Chelsea ASAP.”
      That means Arsenal’s versatile Ben White is poised for a World Cup comeback to ease England’s defensive crisis.
      The Gunners defender was part of the Euro 2020 squad but was not selected for September’s Nations League games.
      Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold is also tipped for inclusion on Thursday.
      White has been a revelation on the right side of the Gunners’ defence this season and could also play in defensive midfield.
      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: “He is really enjoying it. He finds himself with a bit of freedom and you can see, when he has space, how he likes to attack. He is happy there.
      “He is very gifted. If you tell him to play in midfield, he will.”
      Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin limped off with a hamstring injury in the 2-0 home defeat to Leicester in yesterday’s late kick-off.
      Read More on The Sun
      Toffees boss Frank Lampard said: “It was a sensation in the hamstring. We don’t feel like it is a bad injury but we just have to wait for the scan.”
      In theory, Southgate could name a number of injured players in his squad on Thursday and then wait for the latest updates on their condition before finalising the list four days later on Fifa’s deadline day.
      Dominic Calvert-Lewin limped out of Everton’s clash with LeicesterCredit: Reuters More

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      Three Lions ace Ivan Toney investigated by FA over match-betting ahead of this month’s World Cup

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      THREE Lions ace Ivan Toney is at the centre of a match-betting probe.The £50million Brentford striker is being investigated by Football Association officials over allegations of wagers placed on games.
      Three Lions ace Ivan Toney is at the centre of a match-betting probe.Credit: Getty
      The allegations are believed to relate solely to the period when Toney was at one of his previous clubs – not current Premier League side BrentfordCredit: Focus Images
      Toney seen training with England skipper Harry KaneCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Toney, 26, is widely expected to be in England’s squad for the World Cup in Qatar, which starts a fortnight today.
      Astonishingly, despite the ongoing investigation, he was picked for Three Lions duty during recent Nations League matches — but did not play.
      The allegations are believed to relate solely to the period when Toney was at one of his previous clubs. A source said: “Ivan is aware of the investigation. He is concerned but is adamant that he has done nothing wrong.
      “The FA is duty-bound to act fully on allegations they receive. But it is obviously a highly sensitive matter for the FA as he is a potential candidate for the England World Cup squad.”
      READ MORE ON QATAR 22
      No charges have been brought by FA chiefs against the player.
      There is no suggestion of any criminal activity by Toney — who also previously played for Newcastle United — or that he attempted to fix the outcome of any match.
      However, under FA rules, all ­professional men and top women players face a worldwide ban on all football betting.
      The laws are so strict they include gambling on transfers, manager jobs and team selection and apply to players and managers, match officials and club staff.
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      They state that players “shall not bet, either directly or indirectly, or instruct, permit, cause or enable any person to bet on the result, progress, conduct or any other aspect of, or occurrence in or in connection with a football match or competition.
      “Or any other matter concerning or related to football anywhere in the world, including, for example and without limitation, the transfer of players, employment of managers, team selection or disciplinary matters.”
      Last night Toney tweeted: “I have been assisting the Football Association with their enquiries and will not be making any comment until such investigation has reached its conclusion. 
      “I am a proud Englishman and it has always been my dream to play for my country at a World Cup.”
      Toney — regarded as one of the world’s best penalty-takers — was selected for Three Lions duty for Nations League matches against Germany and Italy in September.
      Despite hailing Toney’s place at the training camp, England boss Southgate failed to use him, then appeared to cast doubt on his squad place. 
      Southgate said: “I understand the push as it is so close to the World Cup but there is life for Ivan Toney beyond the World Cup as well. He’s very much in the frame and what he does with his club between now and then is also really important.”
      The fact that he was selected by FA bosses while he was being probed by the investigators from the same organisation will prompt questions about the governing body’s handling of the matter.
      If Toney is found to have breached FA rules his selection would be in conflict with the FA’s commitment to transparency over betting. Its website says: “The FA wants to preserve what is great in the beautiful game and has devised rules regarding betting in football to help protect the integrity and future of football.”
      Despite hailing Toney’s place at the training camp, England boss Southgate failed to use him, then appeared to cast doubt on his place in the squadCredit: Getty
      If Toney is found to have breached FA rules his selection would be in conflict with the FA’s commitment to transparency over betting.Credit: Rex
      It adds: “The FA, the Gambling Commission and betting companies have sophisticated systems to monitor and detect breaches of the betting rules. These organisations advise us of issues that arise in the cash, telephone and online betting markets.
      “If found guilty, then this can lead to financial penalties, suspensions, and in some instances, lifetime bans.
      “It is your responsibility to make sure you know the rules and help support the collective effort from the football authorities, players, clubs and officials, to protect the integrity of the game. The rules have never been clearer or easier to understand.”
      A source said: “It seems incredible that a high-profile star could be chosen for England duty at the same time that he is being investigated over betting. England footballers are role models for millions of youngsters and their conduct in relation to the sport must reflect that status.
      “Fans have a right to know if a star player is being probed — their focus must be entirely on winning the World Cup with no distractions.”
      Tory MP Julian Knight, chairman of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee, said: “These are serious allegations being made.
      “Football needs to be transparent. Any allegation of this nature needs to be investigated and there is a clear public interest.”
      Although there is no suggestion Toney is a gambling addict, Gareth Southgate is concerned about the impact of gambling on players.
      He witnessed first-hand its impact on ex-England team-mates Paul Merson, Tony Adams and Paul Gascoigne when he was a player.
      Before taking up his current role, he said: “Gambling is an addictive pastime. I think it’s for the national manager to step in if they feel there is an issue. 
      “People have always gambled in squads and sometimes in the squads I was involved in it got people together. But some of the sums being spoken at the moment would be disturbing no matter what you’re earning.
      “There is a duty for everybody involved to make sure those problems don’t get out of hand.” 
      The FA’s regulations were put in place after football was rocked by a string of betting controversies in 2014. A number of top players have been hit with bans — though they all involved more serious conduct than that being investigated over Toney.
      In 2020 ex-Chelsea star Daniel Sturridge was banned for four months and fined £150,000 for texting brother Leon to bet on his possible move from Liverpool to Sevilla.
      In 2019 Newcastle and England full-back Kieran Trippier was banned for ten weeks and fined £70,000 for WhatsApping pals “Lump on if you want” over his rumoured move to Atletico Madrid.
      In 2017, Joey Barton was banned for 18 months after placing 1,260 bets on matches between 2006 and 2013 — including games in which he played.
      In October ex-Reading defender Kynan Isaac was banned for 12 years for deliberately earning a yellow card in an FA Cup first-round tie.
      Read More on The Sun
      He was hit with a ten-year ban for the scam with pals and a further two years for failing to co-operate with the FA investigation and further betting.
      Toney’s agent and the FA were approached for comment. 
      SPOT-KICK KING’S RISE TO THE TOPBy Michael Hamilton
      IVAN Toney has risen from relative obscurity to the brink of England’s World Cup squad.
      He has won plaudits for his swashbuckling style and has scored eight times this season for Premier League side Brentford.
      Toney joined Newcastle in 2015 as a teenager but only made two appearances for the Toon, who sent him out on loans. He plied his trade at Wigan, Scunthorpe and Barnsley.
      He moved to Peterborough in 2018 — scoring 40 times in 76 appearances before switching to Brentford in 2020 for a modest £5million.
      Toney scored 31 Championship goals to fire the West London club into the Premier League. His good form continued last season as he scored 12 times.
      He has an impressive penalty record – netting 25 of 26 spot-kicks.
      A World Cup place would take him to new heights. More

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      Harry Redknapp: James Maddison one of my two favourite Prem players… in ANY other country he’d be on plane to World Cup

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      ASSUMING the hospitals aren’t full of broken England players, we are entering a big week for Gareth Southgate.The Three Lions manager names his 26-man squad for the World Cup on Thursday.
      James Maddison has been in exceptional form for some time now and Harry Redknapp is a big fanCredit: Reuters
      Maddison’s only England cap came back in 2019Credit: AFP or licensors
      Right now, it’s a wonder he will fill the team coach with so many players going down injured – such a dilemma for managers of both clubs and country.
      It’s natural that players with World Cup hopes will have the tournament on their minds, even though their only concern is the next Premier League match – and rightly so.
      Trying to pick a squad is almost as exhausting as a training session in the Qatar heat.
      England seem blessed in some positions but recent fitness issues leave Southgate down to the bare bones in others.
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      Defence is a nightmare in particular. I was so sorry to see Ben Chilwell become the latest casualty, with his hamstring injury playing for Chelsea, and I wish him a speedy recovery.
      As a manager, I always loved exciting, attacking players who can do the unexpected. Footballers with a touch of the artist within.
      It’s why I am such a huge fan of James Maddison. Him and Jack Grealish are two of my favourite midfielders.
      But Maddison, in particular, I feel especially sorry for. He is playing well in a struggling team this season at Leicester.
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      Six league strikes tells you he still has his eye for a goal and his drive for the team is impressive.
      In any other country, a player like Maddison would be on the plane to the World Cup without a moment’s hesitation.
      He is a clever player but, unfortunately for him, there are a lot of them around at present.
      Grealish, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Mason Mount – not all exactly the same, but all players who can unlock opposition teams.
      Given the nature of international football these days and maybe a little to do with the conditions despite air-conditioned stadiums – there will be a lot of tight games.
      Grealish, Maddison and the others will be needed more than ever to make a breakthrough.
      Up front we are in good shape. Harry Kane, barring a disaster, is clearly the leader of the dressing room. In terms of out-and-out strikers I’d also take Ivan Toney and Callum Wilson.
      Wilson, I know, had his injury problems but he is in great form at the moment.
      Sun Columnist Redknapp would love Maddison to go to the World CupCredit: PA
      Redknapp has been massively impressed by Jude Bellingham captaining Dortmund and 19Credit: Getty
      Sure, it’s a gamble taking him and he hasn’t played for England for three years. But at every tournament there seems to be a surprise player who comes from nowhere into the reckoning.
      Putting him and Brentford’s Toney alongside Kane would be the perfect trio to choose from. All three are experienced penalty-takers, too.
      With those close games coming, it would be an asset for Southgate to be able to bring on three experienced penalty-takers. Instead of having to rely on rookies such as Jadon Sancho and Saka to cope with that pressure like they did last summer at the Euro 2020 final.
      In midfield, I am such a fan of Jude Bellingham. To be captain of Borussia Dortmund at 19 tells you a lot of what this boy is about.
      What a few weeks this lad could have. I am so looking forward to seeing his maturity up against the best in the world.
      The rest of the midfield picks itself but I would take James Ward-Prowse. What a club player he is. A proper midfielder, as I would say. A great all-rounder who should be at a top-six club.
      In defence, we are so short it’s a case of every man standing coming along.
      By the way, I can’t understand the debate about Trent Alexander-Arnold. He can look vulnerable to a ball inside him, or to balls at the back post. But it’s nothing that 20 minutes extra a day wouldn’t solve.
      At Portsmouth I had similar issues with Glen Johnson. He relied so much on pace that his positioning sometimes went out of kilter.
      Alexander-Arnold is just the same — but reset him and he can be a huge asset to the squad.

      MEMORIES OF RONNIE
      Hereford fans paid tribute to Ronnie Radford ahead of their FA Cup first round tieCredit: PA
      IT was so sad to hear about the passing of Ronnie Radford this week.
      His stunning goal against Newcastle in the 1972 FA Cup should be cherished forever as an iconic moment in the competition.
      That was the third round of course and, in the fourth, West Ham went to Edgar Street fearing another upset. I was playing for the Hammers at the time.
      We drew 0-0 there and the replay would make for a great quiz question. Due to an energy crisis, much like today’s, the replay was not under the lights in midweek but played on a Monday lunchtime to save us putting on the floodlights at Upton Park.
      There was also a three-day week in operation at the time so more than 42,000 people squeezed into Upton Park and on the roof of the flats behind the old North Bank. What an image that was.
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      Geoff Hurst had little time for the romance of the Cup — sticking a hat-trick past Hereford.
      But what a performance from Ronnie and the Hereford lads. God bless. More

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      Wales will invite David Brooks to join World Cup squad in Qatar despite heartbreaking injury following cancer all-clear

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      DAVID BROOKS will be invited to join Wales at the World Cup.But the Bournemouth star will not be named in Robert Page’s final 26-man squad on Wednesday.
      David Brooks suffered a hamstring injury during his comeback after recovering from cancerCredit: Getty
      Brooks was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma last October but revealed in May his cancer was clear.
      The 25-year-old suffered a hamstring injury during his recovery, yet Cherries interim boss Gary O’Neil revealed he could return to Premier League action next month.
      And Wales boss Page, who will announce his squad in his hometown of Tylorstown in the Rhondda valley, views Brooks as a key part of his plans beyond Qatar into the Euro 2024 qualifiers starting in March.
      Page said: “I am going to try and get Brooksy to travel. Not in the 26 because of his injury.
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      “He’s a big part of moving forward from March. I want to keep him in the group.
      “I am not sure if he is committed to coming yet. But I want him to be a part of it.”
      Brooks’ last of his 21 Wales caps came at Euro 2020 last summer when he was a sub in the 4-0 hammering by Denmark.
      But the ex-Sheffield United star had a bright start to his international career after he was named Welsh Footballer of the Year in 2019 – and his super form saw him linked to a move to Tottenham.
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      He made nine appearances last season with his final outing the goalless draw at Peterborough in the Championship last September.
      Wales’ medical staff were key in identifying the problem when Brooks complained of fatigue on international duty a month later.
      But, after cancer treatment and bouncing back from the injury setback, Brooks is aiming to move closer to Bournemouth’s first team squad.
      Read More on The Sun
      After the World Cup, Wales have been drawn against Croatia, Armenia, Turkey and Latvia in Euro 2024 qualification.
      The Dragons open their campaign with a trip to Croatia on March 25, followed by their first home game three days later against Latvia in Cardiff as they plot their way to the finals in Germany. More

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      Tottenham star Son Heung-min in line to make World Cup after successful surgery for eye socket fractures

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      SON HEUNG-MIN has been handed a boost for his World Cup dream after undergoing successful eye surgery. The Tottenham ace underwent a procedure earlier this week in order to stabilise a fracture in his left eye socket that he received during the 2-1 victory over Marseille.
      Son Heung-Min suffered a fractured eye socket against MarseilleCredit: AP
      Son was forced off the field with the injury, leaving his World Cup dream in doubtCredit: AP
      While competing for a header against Chancel Mbemba, Son was outleaped and saw his face brutally clash with the former Newcastle man’s shoulder.
      He was then forced off amid fears of a concussion, before it was later revealed he would need surgery.
      And according to the Telegraph, the South Korean’s surgery was a success.
      The outlook for him is said to be positive, and he is now expected to be able to play some part in his nation’s World Cup campaign.
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      Son can also take solace from a similar injury Kevin de Bruyne recovered from prior to the European Championships.
      The Man City star picked up an injury in the Champions League final in May 2021 and underwent minor surgery in order to overcome the issue and feature for Belgium less than three weeks later.
      However, the bad news is that he is unlikely to feature for Spurs again before the World Cup.
      It means Antonio Conte has been left with Harry Kane and a freshly returning Dejan Kulusevski for the North Londoners’ clash against Liverpool.
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      Despite victory in midweek, Spurs are in a rough patch of form at present.
      A narrow comeback win against Bournemouth papered over the cracks after Spurs failed to win any of their last three games following a 2-0 win over Everton. More

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      Stunning OnlyFans model promises Mexico cult hero Guillermo Ochoa X-rated offer if he wins the World Cup

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      AN ONLYFANS model has promised Mexico icon Guillermo Ochoa a night he will not forget if he wins the World Cup.Wanda Espinosa, a former tattoo artist turned Onlyfans star, offered some extra motivation to the goalkeeper ahead of the tournament.
      Wanda Espinosa has made Guillermo Ochoa a big promise ahead of the World CupCredit: @vanda.barbie1
      The OnlyFans model is hoping to inspire the Mexico goalkeeperCredit: @vanda.barbie1
      Wanda also works as a tattoo artistCredit: @vanda.barbie1
      The model now boasts 1.1million followers on InstagramCredit: @vanda.barbie1
      Wanda is hoping Mexico progress past the second round for the first time since 1986Credit: @vanda.barbie1
      She is not the only model to have offered Mexico players extra motivationCredit: @vanda.barbie1
      Ochoa is something of a World Cup legend having impressed in 2014 and 2018Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Mexico have not reached the quarter-finals of a World Cup since 1986 and Wanda was asked how she can motivate Ochoa ahead of the tournament.
      Fellow OnlyFans models Daniella Chávez and Jessica Sodi tried to motivate Ochoa’s team-mates Hirving Lozano and Álvaro Fidalgo by offering them a free subscription to their OnlyFans pages.
      But Wanda, who boasts 1.1million Instagram followers, went one further by offering to meet the keeper in person.
      Appearing on the Elo Podcast, she said: “Memito, I’m going to take you so hard that you’ll be happier than if we were world champions.”
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      Ochoa is something of a World Cup legend having impressed for El Tri in 2014 and 2018.
      The 37-year-old was compared to Gordon Banks after he defied the odds to keep a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw with Brazil in 2014, winning the man of the match award.
      He was again named man of the match as Mexico were knocked out in the second round against the Netherlands, before returning to Malaga and then Granada where he was often second choice.
      But he bolstered his reputation once again at the Russia World Cup by making an astonishing nine saves in Mexico’s win over then reigning champions Germany.
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      He made 25 saves over the course of the tournament, the second most of any goalkeeper despite only playing in four matches.
      Ochoa now plays for Mexican outfit Club América and at 37-years-old he is one of the oldest players at the tournament.
      But he has all the motivation he needs heading into Qatar thanks to Wanda, and he will be looking to cause an upset in a group that consists of Argentina, Poland and Saudi Arabia. More

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      Lionel Messi suffers Achilles injury just weeks before his final World Cup as PSG star hands Argentina scare

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      LIONEL MESSI has suffered an injury scare just two weeks before the World Cup kicks off.Paris Saint-Germain confirmed the Argentine will miss tomorrow’s trip to Lorient with an inflamed Achilles tendon.
      Argentina will be sweating on the fitness of captain Lionel MessiCredit: Reuters
      However, the club insist it is only a minor problem.
      And they expect him to return to full training next week.
      PSG host Auxerre next weekend, their final match before the break for the World Cup.
      Argentina captain Messi is desperate to lead his country to glory on December 18 – and will be hoping he can shake off the issue in time for their opening match against Saudi Arabia on November 22.
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      Messi has already confirmed Qatar 2022 will be his last World Cup.
      His country lost the 2014 final to Germany, the closest he has come to lifting the only major trophy that eludes him in his stellar career.
      But the new fitness concern is the latest injury he has had to battle off this season.
      Just weeks ago, Messi missed two games due to a calf strain and then was spotted limping against Maccabi Haifa- leaving fans terrified.
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      The forward, who has 12 goals and 14 assists for PSG in all competitions this season, did play the full 90 minutes of PSG’s final Champions League group game away at Juventus on Wednesday.
      But after seeing pals Paulo Dybala and Angel Di Maria suffering injuries just before the tournament, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is understandably cautious.
      He said last month: “Injuries are a worry.
      “This is a different World Cup which is played at a different time of the year to previous tournaments and it’s so imminent any little thing that happens to you can force you out.
      “With what happened to Dybala and Di Maria, the truth is that personally you worry and you’re more afraid when you see those sort of things.
      “It’s something you think about but I feel going out to play with that in your head can be contradictory as well.
      “The best thing you can do is perform as normal and play your game as you always do.
      “I hope Di Maria and Dybala recover in time. They have enough time to do so and reach the tournament in good shape.”
      Messi has been in fine form this season with 12 goals and 14 assistsCredit: Reuters More