International Break Injury Crisis: 17 Stars Crocked

By Sylvester Muhadi

The first international break of the season has turned into a nightmare for Europe’s top clubs, with 17 players forced to withdraw from national duty due to injury.

France and Realmadrid’s Klian Mbappe after injury. photo courtesy Sky sports

France and Real Madrid suffered a double blow, with Kylian Mbappé and Ibrahima Konaté both leaving the French camp.

Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard (Norway) and Kai Havertz (Germany) are also out, while Liverpool have lost forwards Alexander Isak (Sweden) and Cody Gakpo (Netherlands).

Barcelona are sweating on Raphinha (Brazil) and Eric Garcia (Spain), while Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala (Germany) and Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck (Germany) have also pulled out.

Ream madrid coach Jose with a message of good will to Raul Asencio. Photo courtesy Sky sports

Marseille are the hardest hit club with three casualties: Amine Gouiri and Himad Abdelli with Algeria, and Derek Cornelius with Canada.

Full Injury List: Mbappé, Konaté (France/Real Madrid), Raphinha, Garcia (Brazil/Spain/Barca), Havertz, Ødegaard (Germany/Norway/Arsenal), Isak, Gakpo (Sweden/Netherlands/Liverpool), Musiala (Germany/Bayern), Schlotterbeck (Germany/Dortmund), Van Hecke (Netherlands), Gouiri, Abdelli, Cornelius (Algeria/Canada/OM), Ethan Mbappé (France U21/LOSC) and Senny Mayulu (France U21/PSG).