Injuries to some of soccer's biggest names are mounting ahead of the FIFA World Cup, which kicks off in five weeks. Among those confirmed to miss the tournament are Brazil stars Rodrygo and Eder Militao, as well as Germany forward Serge Gnabry. France's Hugo Ekitike is also ruled out after sustaining an Achilles injury in April that could require more than six months to fully recover.
Confirmed Absences
Players definitely ruled out of the World Cup include Argentina's Joaquin Panichelli (ACL), Brazil's Eder Militao (hamstring) and Rodrygo (ACL), France's Hugo Ekitike (Achilles), Germany's Serge Gnabry (adductor), Netherlands' Xavi Simons (ACL), and United States' Cameron Carter-Vickers (Achilles) and Patrick Agyemang (Achilles).
Injury Concerns for Key Stars
Kylian Mbappe is sidelined with a hamstring injury but is expected to play again for Real Madrid this month, with no suggestion his issue will rule him out of the World Cup. Barcelona's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal is recuperating from a leg muscle injury but is expected to be part of Spain's squad. Mohamed Salah also had a hamstring scare, but initial fears have been dispelled.
Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been absent with a groin injury, but City manager Pep Guardiola has given positive updates on his recovery. The former Ballon d'Or winner should play again this season.
Player Workload Concerns
Players and coaches have increasingly warned about the impact of an ever-packed playing schedule. The expanded World Cup comes a year after the relaunched, supersized Club World Cup, and the Champions League has also been expanded. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta described the demand on players as "an accident waiting to happen."
Other Notable Players
Algeria's goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son of France icon Zinedine Zidane, is a doubt after a facial injury from an on-field collision. Argentina's Cristian Romero has been ruled out for the season with a knee injury, but it has not been confirmed if he will miss the World Cup. Brazil's teenage sensation Estevao will not play again for Chelsea this month after a hamstring injury, with conflicting reports on his recovery.
Croatia's veteran midfielder Luka Modric, who broke his cheekbone last month, is expected to be available. Morocco's Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi, sidelined with a right thigh injury, is also expected to recover in time.
