Injuries are piling up for some of the soccer world’s top players as the World Cup approaches next month. Key players like Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, and Mohamed Salah are among those dealing with setbacks. While Mbappe, Yamal, and Salah are expected to recover in time for the tournament, others are facing more serious challenges.
France’s Hugo Ekitike suffered an Achilles injury in April, which could sideline him for over six months, ruling him out of the World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Brazilian stars Rodrygo and Éder Gabriel Militão are confirmed to miss the tournament. Additionally, Bayern Munich and Germany forward Serge Gnabry sustained an adductor injury during training, ruling him out as well.
Another casualty is Arsenal’s Ben White, who will miss the World Cup due to a medial ligament injury, confirmed by the Premier League leaders. The toll of a congested playing schedule has been a growing concern among players and coaches, especially with the expanded World Cup following the revamped Club World Cup and expanded Champions League.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed concerns about the strain on players, calling it “an accident waiting to happen.” As the World Cup draws near and top club competitions reach their climax, players are navigating carefully to avoid injuries before the tournament kicks off.
Notable players ruled out of the World Cup due to injuries include Joaquin Panichelli (Argentina), Eder Militão and Rodrygo (Brazil), Ben White (England), Hugo Ekitike (France), Serge Gnabry (Germany), Xavi Simons (Netherlands), Cameron Carter-Vickers and Patrick Agyemang (United States).
Key players to watch include Algeria’s goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son of Zinedine Zidane, who is uncertain for the World Cup after a facial injury, and Argentina’s Cristian Romero, who is sidelined for the season with a knee injury. Canada’s star left-back Alphonso Davies suffered a hamstring injury during Bayern Munich’s Champions League exit, casting doubt on his availability for the tournament.
Veteran midfielder Luka Modric of Croatia broke his cheekbone but is expected to recover in time for the World Cup. Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi from Morocco has been dealing with a right thigh injury, while United States midfielder Johnny Cardoso sprained his right ankle in training with Atletico Madrid five weeks before the World Cup.