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The U-20 World Cup is slated to kick-start on May 20 in Buenos Aires, Argentina but several European sides are reluctant to release their stars due to the various ongoing club engagements.
Clubs are not obliged to release their players as FIFA decided to stage the tournament outside the international window before most European domestic seasons have come to a close.
Pulse Sports Uganda takes you through the biggest breakthrough stars that will miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Lewis Hall (Chelsea) – England
The 18-year-old has been one of the few positive notes for the Chelsea fans – seeing one of their own get through the ranks to the senior team.
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The young midfielder has racked up eight appearances, including playing 90 minutes in Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest over the weekend.
Facundo Bounanotte (Brighton) – Argentina
The midfielder (18) won’t get a chance to represent his country at this global tournament as Brighton is still chasing a European position.
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Bounanotte has featured 10 times for the Seagulls, scoring and assisting one goal apiece. He came on and impressed as Brighton pounded Arsenal 3-0 at the Emirates on Sunday.
Jamie Bynoe-Gittins (Borussia Dortmund) – England
The young forward is the latest of upcoming projects at Dortmund, but he’s set to miss out on the U-20 World Cup with England.
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With the German side, he has played 20 matches so far across all competitions, scoring thrice and assisting a goal.
Rico Lewis (Manchester City) – England
Pep Guardiola is slowly inducting this hugely talented defender but he’s set to sit out the global showpiece as the Citizens continue to chase a treble.
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Overall this season Lewis, who is just 18, has featured 19 times for City, scoring one goal.
Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United) – Argentina
Arguably one of the most exciting teenagers in Europe, Garnacho is destined for big things ahead, albeit, missing out on the U-20 World Cup.
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The 18-year-old, who has established himself as a key member of the Man United squad, has already racked up 30 matches, despite an injury-laden campaign. He’s scored five times, setting up four more.
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