‘Really high’ extra risk of injury at World Cup, warns players’ union

TIRED: Spurs boss Antonio Conte has said England captain is 'really, really tired'. Kane has started every competitive fixture for Spurs this season. Pic: Nick Potts/PA Wire.

The unique circumstances of the Qatar World Cup have created an unprecedented risk of injury during the tournament, the international players’ union, Fifpro, has warned.

With the final fixtures in leagues including the Premier League taking place only a week before the tournament, a lack of preparation time will be a key factor in putting players at risk, according to the union. The impact of hot conditions and the accumulated workload of players in an already condensed season are other concerns, with the potential for injuries to disrupt not only the later stages of the World Cup but the remainder of the club season.