Short turnaround breeds uncertainty

European giants Germany, France and Belgium were contending with the short turnaround between the midway break in domestic leagues and the start of the 2022 World Cup, sweating on the fitness of key players that they chose to name to their World Cup squads ahead of the tournament.

With players set to be engaged in club duties even a week before the start of the tournament and the schedule over recent months being tightly-packed, a spate of niggling injuries means teams are unsure if their players will be at their best or, in some cases, even able to take the pitch.

Reigning world champions France named Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema, PSG centre-back Presnel Kimpembe and Manchester United defender Raphael Varane, all of whom have been struggling with injuries.

Deschamps hoped Benzema at least would be fully fit in time. "He knows that the World Cup is a very important moment for him. He will do everything to be ready. There was a period where Benzema played too much and is now paying the price with small injuries, but he knows the World Cup is important."

Belgium were in a similar quandary, with their premier striker, Romelu Lukaku, battling injury. He has only played twice just twice since August and is currently sidelined for his club Inter Milan.

But coach Roberto Martinez insisted the players would get "every second" to regain fitness, even if it means he will play just one group-stage game. "He (Lukaku) is not completely fit medically, that is clear, but the last three days has been very positive. We will give Romelu every second to be fit."

In Lukaku's stead, Brighton attacker Leandro Trossard, who is in career-best form having scored seven goals and racking up three assists for Brighton in 13 games, will hope to get the leading role.

Hansi Flick's Germany are also battling injuries, albeit to less important players like Timo Werner and Lukas Nmecha. They were left out completely, replaced by in-form Bundesliga forwards Niclas Füllkrug and Youssoufa Moukoko.

But the biggest news for Die Mannschaft was the return of Mario Gotze, who scored the winner against Argentina in the 2014 World Cup final before his career was derailed by injuries and illness. But Gotze's stellar showings with Eintracht Frankfurt marked a sensational return to the national team set up after five years.

Even the USA was caught out by injury to Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie, but he made the cut despite lingering concerns over a thigh injury.