RUDIGER AND KIMMICH IN BOOT CAMP BUST-UP
GERMANY defenders Antonio Rudiger and Joshua Kimmich had to be separated after they clashed in training following a strong tackle from the Chelsea player. Kimmich, who plays for Bayern Munich, objected to the challenge and the pair squared up to each other before being pulled apart by Germany assistant coach Miroslav Klose during a training session yesterday. Paris Saint-Germain forward Julian Draxler needed an ice pack after he was caught by the elbow of Manchester City’s Leroy Sane, albeit accidentally. Germany boss Joachim Low is yet to name his final 23-man-squad, with four players set to be cut ahead of the deadline on June 4.
LIONEL MESSI played down Argentina’s chances in Russia, despite firing a hat-trick in a 4-0 friendly win over Haiti on Tuesday. Argentina made the final in 2014 but Messi, who also set up a goal for Sergio Aguero, said: ‘We are not candidates but we are improving day by day.’
BRAZIL fans feared the worse yesterday after Neymar needed training-ground treatment from a physio on the same foot he injured earlier this season. The Paris Saint-Germain forward, who has not played since February after having surgery on a fractured metatarsal, had tape applied to his right foot before rejoining the training session and taking full part.