Poland goalkeeper Bartlomiej Dragowski suffers horror injury and will miss the World Cup

Poland goalkeeper Bartlomiej Dragowski suffered a horror injury just nine days before the start of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Dragowski was in action for Spezia for their Serie A clash against Verona. In the 38th minute, the Polish international rushed out in a bid to clear the ball but clashed with Verona man Kevin Lasagna.

The coming together resulted in Dragowski’s leg being caught underneath Lasagna and the goalkeeper suffered a horrible ankle injury as a result.

Dragowski was seen screaming in pain and was reduced to tears, his teammates rushed over to console the 25-year-old.

The Spezia goalkeeper was due to travel to Qatar for the World Cup after being named in Poland’s 26-man squad.

Despite Juventus’ Wojciech Szczesny being the first choice, Dragowski had shown good form this season and fancied himself as a real challenger for the no.1 shirt.

At the time of Dragowski’s injury, Spezia were 1-0 down after a goal by Simone Verdi in the 30th minute. Spezia mounted a spirited comeback in the second half as a brace by M’Bala Nzola earned the visitors a 2-1 victory.

For the World Cup, Poland are in Group C alongside Mexico, Saudi Arabia and Argentina.

Lionel Messi-led Argentina are the favourites to top the group, whilst the likes of Mexico and Poland will fancy their chances of making it through to the knockout stages too.

Robert Lewandowski and Piotr Zielinski are two stand-out players from the Poland squad that could help fire the team into the round of 16.

This year’s World Cup is the first to be played during a league season and it has been blasted by many fans and former players.

Ex-Liverpool centre-back Jamie Carragher said on CBS Sports: “I think it’s an absolute disgrace that the World Cup is in the position it’s in, for lots of reasons.

“Players who spend their whole lives dreaming of playing in a World Cup and now could be [out injured] – as we’ve seen with Son and players all around the world.

“Varane was crying coming off the pitch at Stamford Bridge. That’s how close we are to a World Cup.

“An injury, a 10-day or two-week injury, is going to keep players out of a World Cup and it should not be happening.

“And it all started with FIFA giving Qatar the World Cup and then moving it. I think it’s absolutely disgusting.”