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      Chelsea in huge injury blow with N’Golo Kante out for FOUR MONTHS after hamstring surgery with star to miss World Cup

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      N’GOLO KANTE is set to be out for the next FOUR MONTHS after having hamstring surgery.The midfielder will now miss the World Cup as France seek to defend their crown.
      N’Gole Kante will be out for the next four months after undergoing hamstring surgeryCredit: Getty
      Kante won the World Cup in 2018 with France but will miss this year’s tournamentCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Kante, 31, has spent much of the season sidelined by injury.
      He managed to play just the first two games of the campaign before picking up the problem.
      And, after visiting a specialist, the decision was made for Kante to have surgery on his hamstring.
      A Chelsea statement on Tuesday evening said: “N’Golo Kante has undergone an operation on his hamstring injury.
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      “The midfielder visited a specialist with the club’s medical department to explore the options for his rehabilitation approach.
      “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.”
      Boss Graham Potter revealed last week that Kante had suffered a setback in the final stages before making a return.
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      Ahead of his trip to the specialist, which confirmed the need for surgery, Potter said: “Again he’s due to see a consultant at the weekend. It’s a setback so it’s not good news.
      “But anything other than that, at this stage I can’t give you any more.
      “Historically, there are things which have happened which are a concern and we need to get the bottom of that.
      “It’s a setback in the last stage of his rehab so again that’s worrying. But all we can do is get the right diagnosis, the right consultation and then try help him get back to full fitness and enjoying his football.”
      Kante has been a key player at Stamford Bridge ever since signing from Leicester in 2016.
      But his injury problems in recent months have fuelled speculation of an exit this summer, especially with his contract set to expire.
      He is the latest star to join the growing injury list for the World Cup.
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      Liverpool ace Diogo Jota was also ruled out of the tournament with a calf problem.
      Kante’s Chelsea team-mate Reece James is also a doubt for Qatar, while his France pal Paul Pogba remainss unlikely to be fit to make the plane. More

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      Why did Germany’s 2022 World Cup manager Hansi Flick leave Bayern Munich?

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      GERMANY’s Hansi Flick is one of the most highly rated managers in world football after an incredibly successful spell at Bayern Munich.However, his time in Munich came to an abrupt end just a year after completing a historic treble at the club.
      LEIPZIG, GERMANY – SEPTEMBER 23: (EDITORS NOTE: This image has been altered: vignette has been added.) Head Coach Hansi Flick looks on prior the UEFA Nations League League A Group 3 match between Germany and Hungary at Red Bull Arena on September 23, 2022 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto/Getty […]Credit: Getty
      Departing for the national team, Flick is taking charge of his first World Cup for his country after serving as assistant manager in the past.
      But the question remains – why did he leave Bayern Munich to take over at Germany?
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      Why did Hansi Flick leave Bayern Munich?
      Back in April 2021, Bayern Munich confirmed that Flick requested to have his contract terminated two years before it was due to expire as he looked to take over Germany.
      Hansi Flick during his time at Bayern MunichCredit: Getty
      Despite their being no official reasoning for Flick’s Bayern Munich departure, the manager opted to take the opportunity to replace Joachim Low at the national team.
      Rumours surrounded the Bundesliga side, stating that his relationship with the club and sporting director Hasal Salihamidzic in particular, was strained.
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      Further reports stated that the sale of Thiago Alacantra was not passed by Flick while he also wished to keep David Alaba at the club.
      Speaking after his departure, Flick hinted at his disappointment with recruitment as he said: “We had a team last year that was quality-wise better than this year, everyone knows that.”
      Furthermore, Flick had always dreamed of the Germany job and it appears that the availability of this came at the perfect time for the manager, handing him the opportunity to depart Bayern Munich and walk into a new role. More

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

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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.
      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

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      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

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      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

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      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

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      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

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      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