With fewer than 50 days remaining before the FIFA World Cup begins, the tournament build-up has been increasingly affected by injuries to several high-profile players. As preparations intensify, the list of absentees continues to grow, raising concerns for multiple national teams.
The first major setback involved Rodrygo. In early March, the Brazilian forward suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and lateral meniscus in his right knee. The injury ruled him out for the remainder of the club season as well as the World Cup.
Subsequently, two Argentine players, Juan Foyth and Valentín Carboni, were also sidelined. France forward Hugo Ekitike joined the list after sustaining an injury during a UEFA Champions League match. However, the sequence of withdrawals has not ended there.
Germany international Serge Gnabry has now confirmed that he will miss the tournament. Bayern Munich reported that Gnabry suffered a tear in the adductor muscle of his right thigh, an injury requiring an extended recovery period. The 30-year-old announced the news via social media, stating that his World Cup hopes were over and that he would now focus on rehabilitation and returning ahead of the next pre-season.
Gnabry had been a regular figure in the German national team setup. He started all matches during the World Cup qualifiers and featured in two international friendlies in March. His inclusion in the squad under head coach Julian Nagelsmann had been widely expected prior to the injury.
Attention has also turned to two emerging talents, Estevão and Lamine Yamal, both of whom are now facing uncertainty due to injury concerns.
Estevão, regarded as one of Brazil’s most promising young players, has struggled with recurring fitness issues in recent weeks. Although he returned from a previous injury, he suffered another thigh problem on 19 April during Chelsea’s defeat to Manchester United. As a result, his availability for the World Cup remains in doubt. Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti is scheduled to announce the squad on 18 May, and discussions are ongoing regarding whether Estevão should be included.
Under Ancelotti, Estevão has produced notable performances for Brazil, registering five goals and five assists in seven appearances. This represents the highest combined goal and assist tally by any Brazilian player under the current coach.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 5 | 5 |
Reports in Brazilian media indicate that even if his recovery timeline extends, he could still be considered for selection with the possibility of featuring in the knockout stages.
There is also a potential implication for Neymar. According to Brazilian outlet (identified source), public opinion reflected in betting-related polls has shifted following Estevão’s injury. The percentage of respondents believing Neymar will play in the World Cup rose to approximately 50 per cent, compared to 34 per cent on 21 April.
Meanwhile, Spain are monitoring the condition of Lamine Yamal. The young forward experienced discomfort in his left leg after scoring a penalty in Barcelona’s win over Celta Vigo. He was substituted before half-time with assistance from the medical staff. Initial assessments, as reported by ESPN (identified source), suggest a possible hamstring muscle tear. The severity of the injury and recovery timeline are expected to be confirmed following scan results.
The World Cup is scheduled to commence on 11 June, with matches to be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. As the tournament approaches, the fitness status of several key players remains uncertain, potentially influencing squad selections and team preparations.