Five Players who need a move in order to avoid World Cup heartbreak - Featuring Chelsea and Arsenal stars

Yesterday’s World Cup qualifying results have taken us a giant step closer to knowing which teams will be lining up in next year’s World Cup in Brazil, we take a look at five players who perhaps should seek a transfer in order to boost their aspirations of being in Rio.

Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)

A regular starter under Rafa Benitez, Azpilicueta has found himself out of Jose Mourinho’s plans this season. Preferring Branislav Ivanovic at right-back, Mourinho has limited the Spaniard to just 20 minutes of game time in league and Europe this season. Azpilicueta won the first of his four caps in February, amidst a successful campaign in which he made 27 league appearances. Battling with five cap Juanfran for the second full-back spot behind Alvaro Arbeloa, Azpilicueta may be a player in need of a move.

Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal)

In the last few days Vermaelen has admitted that he may need to move on from Arsenal if he is to keep his Belgian World Cup hopes alive. The defender has been a mainstay in the Arsenal back line since his 2009 move from Ajax, but has found his playing time limited. Still captain at the club, the Belgian defender needs playing time if he is to stay in Marc Wilmots’ squad. The 27-year-old is competing with Jan Vertonghen, Vincent Kompany and Daniel Van Buyten in the centre of the Belgian defence. Last season, Vermaelen won 35 tackles and won 67 aerial duels.

Jermain Defoe (Tottenham)

Pushed down the pecking order at Spurs by the £26million signing of Roberto Soldado, Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe is also in danger of losing his place in the national side. The recent emergence of Rickie Lambert as an international player, alongside Daniel Sturridge’s fine start to the season, has increased the competition up front in the England squad. Whilst he may have been able to withstand such competition before, Defoe has only played 144 minutes of Spurs league campaign this season. Despite a starring role in the side’s Europa League campaign (3 goals in 2 games), Defoe may seek a move in order to make the plane for what is likely to be his last World Cup. Whether his manager, Andre Villas-Boas, sanctions such a move for his back up forward is doubtful, but without a change in fortune Defoe is in serious danger of missing the plane to Rio.

Kevin de Bruyne (Chelsea)

Another player struggling to get in to the Belgian side, Chelsea winger De Bruyne has been linked with a move back to Germany. He enjoyed a successful loan spell at Werder Bremen last season, but has experienced a frustrating start to the season at Chelsea. Whilst he is probably assured of a place in the Belgium squad, he may find his starting spot under pressure if he continues to sit on the Chelsea bench. Belgium boast a plethora of attacking midfield options including Dres Mertens, Nacer Chadli, Eden Hazard and Kevin Mirallas. The 22-year-old has 17 caps for his country, but has only made three appearances for Chelsea this season and has hinted that his frustration could lead to a move.

Sebastian Giovinco (Juventus)

One of a number of Juventus forwards to have played bit part roles next to Tevez, Giovinco could be at risk of becoming the forgotten man for club and country. The Italian has only started one game for Juventus this season, featuring three times in substitute cameos. Despite scoring from the bench in his last game, against AC Milan the Italian didn’t make Cesare Prandelli’s latest Italy squad, and is unlikely to regain his place if he isn’t playing for his club.