Several top soccer players are dealing with injuries as the World Cup approaches, creating concerns for fans and teams alike. Notable names such as Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal are currently injured, affecting preparations for the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Lionel Messi, the Argentine football legend, was seen reaching for his left hamstring during a Major League Soccer match for Inter Miami. This has raised worries about his fitness for the upcoming World Cup.
Meanwhile, Spain’s emerging talent Lamine Yamal missed the final weeks of Barcelona’s season due to a muscle injury in his left leg. Nonetheless, Yamal is expected to recover in time to participate in the World Cup.
Players Already Ruled Out
Some players have experienced more severe setbacks:
- Hugo Ekitike of France is out due to an Achilles injury, with recovery taking over six months, impacting his availability for the tournament and the coming season with Liverpool.
- Brazil’s Rodrygo and Éder Militão, alongside Germany’s Serge Gnabry, are also confirmed to miss the World Cup.
The intense play schedules are taking a toll. This expanded World Cup follows the supersized Club World Cup, and the Champions League has seen recent expansions as well. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta warns these demands are dangerous.
Other Injury Concerns
Several other players have varying injuries:
- Argentina’s Cristian Romero has a knee injury, with Tottenham yet to confirm his World Cup status.
- Canada’s Alphonso Davies faces a hamstring issue after a Champions League match injury.
- Croatia’s Luka Modrić and Joško Gvardiol have returned to play after recovering from a cheekbone fracture and leg break, respectively.
- Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi is sidelined with a right thigh injury.
In the United States squad, Johnny Cardoso sprained his right ankle in training, while Chris Richards tore ankle ligaments playing for Crystal Palace.
The upcoming tournament places players on edge, aiming to stay fit as World Cup excitement builds.