The Three Lions of England are under a gale of injury as three of Gareth Southgate’s choice defenders face prospects of missing out of the 2022 World Cup due to injuries. Reece James of Chelsea, Kyle Walker of Manchester City, and Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool are all battling injuries.
In just a matter of days, the Three Lions of England has lost some of their key defenders to injury ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
Kyle Walker
Kyle Walker picked up a knee injury in Manchester City’s derby victory over Manchester United.
Limping off the game, the England star missed Manchester City’s Champions League win against Copenhagen.
Kyle Walker also missed Manchester City’s 4-0 win over Southampton.
When asked about the injury situation, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he hopes that Walker will return in a matter of weeks.
However, as things stand, Kyle Walker may likely miss the World Cup due to the injury.
He has undergone successful knee surgery on the knee, a club statement by Manchester City confirmed.
“Kyle Walker has undergone surgery after suffering a groin injury to his left leg during the first half of our 6-3 win over Manchester United on Sunday”, the statement read.
“The surgery was successful and a more detailed prognosis will be provided in due course. Everyone at Manchester City wishes Kyle a speedy recovery.”
Alexander-Arnold
Alexander-Arnold suffered an ankle injury in Liverpool’s 3-2 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates compounding England and Liverpool’s injury crisis.
With another Liverpool star, Luis Diaz added to the list, Alexander-Arnold collided with Brazil and Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli resulting in the injury.
He is expected to be out for weeks, with a potential risk of missing the 2022 World Cup.
However, addressing the right-back’s injury challenge, Jurgen Klopp is optimistic about Arnold’s return in the coming few weeks.
Klopp had to substitute the England star after it was evident he could not continue on the game.
Reece James
Reece James is another top England defender that has joined the injury list of England.
James picked up an ankle injury in Chelsea’s Champions League clash against AC Milan at the San Siro.
James had wanted to continue with the game, but could not hold on as he fell to the ground over the resulting pains.
Graham Potter had to substitute the right-back after he could not continue.
Speaking about the injury, Graham Potter said; “Reece, we’re hoping he’ll be ok. [We’ll need] 24-48 hours because it’s too early to tell you anything more than that.”
Meanwhile, Reece James has taken to his Twitter handle to appreciate those who sent solidarity messages to him. He further played down on the extent of his injury.
Details of the injury will reportedly be shared in a day or two after a medical examination.
All the three players risk missing out on the Three Lions’ 2022 World Cup squad. They were all included in England’s 28-man Nations League squad in September.
There are concerns that the injury crisis may severely impact Gareth Southgate’s team performance going into the World Cup, as the three players are top and high-ranking members of Southgate’s team.
