The players already succumbed to the 'FIFA virus'

There were some interesting results across the world as countries started their World Cup preparations in style. Argentina defeated the 'Azzurri' 2-0, Spain and Germany played out an entertaining draw, England overcame the Netherlands and Colombia fought back from a two-goal deficit to shock France.

However, with the end of the season fast-approaching for European clubs, their managers were hoping that their players would come back from the international break without any injury concerns. Unfortunately, a few have already fallen.

Argentina's medics have appeared to be the busiest. Sergio Aguero was ruled out of their two fixtures as he continues his recovery from a knee problem - sustained whilst at Manchester City so not necessarily a new injury.

In addition, Lionel Messi sat out the win over Italy as a precaution from a tight hamstring and remains a doubt for their clash against Spain on Tuesday. Ernesto Valverde will be watching that one intently with Barcelona still fighting for silverware on three fronts.

However, the most worrying one will be for Paris Saint-Germain and Angel Di Maria who was taken off after picking up a thigh injury and has since been released by 'La Albiceleste' for the remainder of their tour.

With Neymar already out injured and recovering from toe surgery, PSG will not want another attacker out for a considerable period of time. Although they do have the Ligue 1 title effectively wrapped up and have already been eliminated from the Champions League.

Liverpool will be sweating over Joe Gomez's ankle, as the defender hobbled off after just 10 minutes of England's 1-0 victory over the Netherlands in Amsterdam, with the 'Reds' set to face Manchester City in the first leg of their European quarter-final clash on April 4.

Arsenal will also be worried as injury-prone Jack Wilshere has pulled out of the rest of the 'Three Lions' tour with a knee issue, after cementing his place back in their first-team following numerous fitness problems. 

The final potential injury concern is with Sami Khedira's knee for Juventus, who had already lost Giorgio Chiellini and Alex Sandro during the early training for the international break, although the German has inisted that his substitution during the 'Die Mannschaft's 1-1 draw with Spain was precautionary.

24 March 2018

Let's hope the second round of international friendlies go off without any more injury hitches...