Injuries are affecting top soccer players in anticipation of the next month’s World Cup. Notable names such as Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal are among the concerns. In contrast, Kylian Mbappé and Mohamed Salah have recovered from their injuries ahead of the tournament, which will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Messi, the celebrated Argentina player, recently left the field clutching his left hamstring during a Major League Soccer match with Inter Miami.
Spain’s emerging talent, Lamine Yamal, missed Barcelona’s last weeks of the season due to a muscle injury in his left leg. Fortunately, he is expected to be fit for the World Cup. However, other athletes haven’t been as lucky. Hugo Ekitike from France suffered an Achilles injury in April, possibly sidelining him for over six months, meaning he will miss the World Cup and perhaps the start of the next season with Liverpool. Brazilian stars Rodrygo and Éder Militão are confirmed absentees. Serge Gnabry from Bayern Munich and Germany also faces exclusion after sustaining an adductor injury during training.
Concerns voiced by players and coaches emphasize the toll of overcrowded schedules on athletes. The expanded World Cup follows the supersized Club World Cup from the previous year. The Champions League has seen similar growth recently. Mikel Arteta from Arsenal warns about the potential consequences, calling it “an accident waiting to happen.” As the World Cup approaches, players tread carefully to avoid injuries.
Confirmed Absences from the World Cup
- Argentina: Joaquín Panichelli (ACL)
- Brazil: Éder Militão (hamstring), Rodrygo (ACL)
- England: Ben White (medial ligament)
- France: Hugo Ekitike (Achilles)
- Germany: Serge Gnabry (adductor)
- Netherlands: Xavi Simons (ACL)
- United States: Cameron Carter-Vickers (Achilles), Patrick Agyemang (Achilles)
Players Facing Uncertainty
- Algeria: Goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son of French legend Zinedine Zidane, may miss due to a facial injury from last month.
- Argentina: Cristian Romero has a knee injury. Tottenham has yet to reveal a recovery timeline.
- Canada: Alphonso Davies, star left back, faces a hamstring injury. He was injured during Bayern Munich’s match against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semifinals.
- Croatia: Luka Modrić returned for AC Milan after breaking his cheekbone, and Joško Gvardiol resumed training with Manchester City following a broken leg.
- Morocco: Achraf Hakimi from Paris Saint-Germain is dealing with a right thigh injury.
- United States: Midfielder Johnny Cardoso sprained his right ankle, and Chris Richards, center back, tore ankle ligaments playing for Crystal Palace.