{"id":88333,"date":"2026-05-01T17:03:15","date_gmt":"2026-05-01T17:03:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/world-cup-injury-tracker-latest-news-on-modric-raphinha-and-other-key-potential-absentees\/"},"modified":"2026-05-01T17:03:15","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T17:03:15","slug":"world-cup-injury-tracker-latest-news-on-modric-raphinha-and-other-key-potential-absentees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/world-cup-injury-tracker-latest-news-on-modric-raphinha-and-other-key-potential-absentees\/","title":{"rendered":"World Cup injury tracker: Latest news on Modric, Raphinha and other key potential absentees"},"content":{"rendered":"


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\"(Left)<\/span><\/div>\n

Some of soccer’s biggest stars have had their seasons disrupted or ended early by injuries (Stefano Rellandini\/AFP via Getty Images) (Eric Alonso\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The World Cup is a chance to see some of the planet\u2019s best players compete on the biggest stage of them all.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, like any other competition, it is not immune to the injury bug. Several key names have already been ruled out with long-term issues, others face a race against time to be ready for the trip to North America, while some are battling back to fitness before the end of their club\u2019s domestic seasons.<\/span><\/p>\n

There will be 48 countries at the World Cup for the first time and the maximum squad size has grown from 23 to 26, meaning that the pool of players hoping for a call-up this summer has drastically increased.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here, <\/span>The Athletic<\/span><\/i> takes you through the key active injuries of all 48 nations in our tracker, which will be updated in the build-up to the tournament and while it is ongoing.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

Group A<\/b><\/h2>\n

Mexico<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Edson Alvarez (CB) \u2014 Mexico captain underwent ankle surgery in February. Last national team appearance: November 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Julian Araujo (RB) \u2014 Out with a hamstring injury since March, bringing his loan spell at Celtic to an early end. Last national team appearance: July 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Rodrigo Huescas (RB) \u2014 Copenhagen confirmed that Huescas underwent surgery for an anterior cruciate ligament injury (ACL) in October and would be out for the season. Last national team appearance: September 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Marcel Ruiz (CM) \u2014 Toluca midfielder suffered an ACL tear in March but returned in April after opting to not undergo surgery. Last national team appearance: February 2026<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Cesar Huerta (LW) \u2014 Underwent surgery on his pelvis in November. Anderlecht confirmed he underwent an additional operation in March. Last national team appearance: October 2025<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    South Africa<\/strong><\/p>\n

    South Korea<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    • Hwang In-beom (CM) \u2014 Ankle ligament injury picked up playing for Feyenoord against Excelsior on March 15. Last national team appearance: October 2025.<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Park Yong-woo (DM) \u2014 Tore ACL while playing for Abu Dhabi-based club Al Ain on September 25. Last national team appearance: September 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Lee Jae-sung (AM) \u2014 Sustained toe injury playing for Mainz in April. Last national team appearance: March 2026.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Czech Republic<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      • Jindrich Stanek (GK) \u2014 Slavia Prague goalkeeper has been out since February 25 with an undisclosed injury. Last national team appearance: September 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Vitezslav Jaros (GK) \u2014 Liverpool goalkeeper had his loan spell at Ajax ended early by what the Merseyside club <\/span>described<\/span> as a \u201cserious knee injury.\u201d Last national team appearance: September 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
      • David Zima (CB) \u2014 Sustained ankle injury in March and has not played since. Last national team appearance: March 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Matej Rynes (CM) \u2014 Slavia Prague midfielder suffered a muscle injury in April. Last national team appearance: November 2025<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

        Group B<\/b><\/h2>\n

        Canada<\/strong><\/p>\n

          \n
        • Alfie Jones (CB) \u2014 The English-born defender received his first cap for Canada in November after his eligibility was approved, but sustained an ankle injury playing for Middlesbrough on December 26 and underwent surgery the following month. Last national team appearance: November 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Sam Adekugbe (LB) \u2014 Suffered an Achilles tendon tear while playing for Canada in June last year and has not played since, leaving World Cup participation in doubt. Last national team appearance: June 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Alistair Johnston (CB) \u2014 Celtic centre-back underwent October surgery for a hamstring injury that had been plaguing him since August. Last national team appearance: June 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Ralph Priso (DM) \u2014 Sustained a left hamstring strain playing for Canada on March 31, the Vancouver Whitecaps confirmed the defender would be out for eight to 10 weeks. Last national team appearance: March 2026<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Promise David (ST) \u2014 <\/span>Underwent surgery<\/span> for a hip muscle injury sustained on February 21 playing for Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise. Expected to miss \u201cseveral months\u201d. Last national team appearance: November 2025<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Bosnia & Herzegovina<\/strong><\/p>\n

            \n
          • Adrian Leon Barisic (CB) \u2014 An adductor injury has kept the Braga centre-back out since early March. Last national team appearance: October 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Nikola Katic (CB) \u2014 German side Schalke confirmed on April 1 that a knee injury would sideline Katic for several weeks and that he was unlikely to feature again this domestic season. Last national team appearance: March 2026<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Edin Dzeko (ST) \u2014 The Bosnia captain and Katic\u2019s Schalke team-mate has been out with a shoulder injury sustained against Italy on March 31. Last national team appearance: March 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Qatar<\/strong><\/p>\n

            Switzerland<\/strong><\/p>\n

              \n
            • Eray Comert (CB) \u2014 Picked up an abdominal muscle issue playing for Valencia on April 11. Last national team appearance: March 2026<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Miro Muheim (LB) \u2014 Suffered a right ankle injury playing for Hamburg on April 18, ruled out for rest of the season. Last national team appearance: March 2023<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Zeki Amdouni (ST) \u2014 Burnley striker tore his ACL in pre-season and has not appeared since. Last national team appearance: June 2025<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

              Group C<\/b><\/h2>\n

              Brazil<\/strong><\/p>\n

                \n
              • Alisson (GK) \u2014 Liverpool No 1 has been sidelined since March 20 with a hamstring injury. Last national team appearance: September 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Vanderson (RB) \u2014 The full-back sustained a hamstring injury playing for Monaco on March 6 and subsequently underwent surgery, putting his World Cup in doubt. Last national team appearance: June 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Eder Militao (CB) \u2014 Real Madrid defender sustained a left hamstring injury in late April and will miss the end of the season.<\/span>\u00a0<\/b>Last national team appearance: November 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Raphinha (LW) \u2014 Barcelona confirmed the winger sustained a right hamstring injury while playing for Brazil on March 26, ruling him out for five weeks. Last national team appearance: March 26<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Rodrygo (RW)<\/strong> \u2014 Tore his ACL and meniscus in his right knee playing for Real Madrid in early March, ruled out of the World Cup. Last national team appearance: November 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Estevao (RW)<\/strong> \u2014 <\/span>Serious doubt over the Chelsea winger\u2019s World Cup participation<\/span> due to a hamstring injury suffered on April 18. Last national team appearance: November 2025<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                \n
                \"\"<\/p>\n
                \n

                \n Estevao is in his first season at Chelsea (Glyn Kirk\/AFP via Getty Images)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                Morocco<\/strong><\/p>\n

                  \n
                • Nayef Aguerd (CB) \u2014 Underwent surgery in early March to treat a persistent groin issue.<\/span>\u00a0Last national team appearance: January 2026<\/span><\/li>\n
                • Hamza Igamane (ST)<\/strong> \u2014 Striker tore his ACL while playing for Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final on January 26 and will miss the World Cup. Last national team appearance: January 2025<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  Haiti<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    \n
                  • Johny Placide (GK) \u2014 French club Bastia <\/span>confirmed<\/span> that the Haiti captain underwent surgery for recurring knee issues at the end of March. Last national team appearance: November 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
                  • Carlens Arcus (RB) \u2014 The defender has not featured since being substituted playing for French side Angers against Nice on March 14. Last national team appearance: November 2025<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    Scotland<\/strong><\/p>\n

                      \n
                    • Scott McKenna (CB) \u2014 Suffered an adductor injury playing for Dinamo Zagreb on April 18. Last national team appearance: March 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                      Group D<\/b><\/h2>\n

                      United States<\/strong><\/p>\n

                        \n
                      • Jonathan Klinsmann (GK)<\/strong> \u2014 Sustained a broken neck playing for Cesena on April 18 and <\/span>underwent successful surgery the following week<\/span>. Last national team call-up: March 2026<\/span><\/li>\n
                      • Cameron Carter-Vickers (CB) \u2014 Sustained an Achilles injury in October, with <\/span>then-Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers saying<\/span> that he would be out for between \u201cthree and five months\u201d. Last national team appearance: March 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
                      • John Tolkin (LB) \u2014 Picked up an \u201cinner ligament injury to his knee\u201d playing for German club Holstein Kiel on April 10, <\/span>out for multiple weeks<\/span>. Last national team appearance: November 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
                      • Sergino Dest (RB) \u2014 Sustained a thigh injury in PSV\u2019s game against AZ on March 8, <\/span>said he\u2019s \u201cconvinced\u201d he will be ready for the World Cup<\/span>. Last national team appearance: November 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
                      • James Sands (CM) \u2014 <\/span>Underwent ankle surgery in March<\/span>, ruling him out for the rest of the season. Last national team appearance: October 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
                      • Quinn Sullivan (CM) \u2014 Suffered an ACL tear playing for the Philadelphia Union in September. Last national team appearance: June 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
                      • Patrick Agyemang (ST)<\/strong> \u2014 Sustained a serious Achilles injury while in action for Derby County on April 6, and will not play at the World Cup. Last national team appearance: April 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                        \n
                        \"\"<\/p>\n
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                        \n Agyemang had been in good form for Derby (Josep Lago\/AFP via Getty Images)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                        Paraguay<\/strong><\/p>\n

                          \n
                        • Mathias Villasanti (DM) \u2014 Has been out since rupturing his ACL playing for Brazilian club <\/span>Gremio<\/span> in August. Last national team appearance: June 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
                        • Diego Gomez (CM) \u2014 The Brighton midfielder picked up a knee injury on April 17, though head coach Fabian Hurzeler said, \u201cit is not as bad as some of us thought\u201d. Last national team appearance: March 2026<\/span><\/li>\n
                        • Miguel Almiron (RW) \u2014 Out since April 12 with a knee injury that Atlanta United said would sideline him for 1-2 weeks. Last national team appearance: March 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                          Australia<\/strong><\/p>\n

                            \n
                          • Callum Elder (LB) \u2014 <\/span>Had knee surgery in early March<\/span>, with a recovery timeframe of five to six weeks. Last national team appearance: November 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
                          • Lewis Miller (RB)<\/strong> \u2014 The Blackburn Rovers defender ruptured his Achilles on February 14, and is set for around nine months out and will miss the World Cup. Last national team appearance: November 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
                          • Ryan Teague (DM) \u2014 Has missed two Melbourne City games with a knee injury sustained in early April, expected to miss one more week. Last national team appearance: September 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
                          • Nicholas D\u2019Agostino (ST) \u2014 Sustained a knee injury on February 28, <\/span>expected to miss around six weeks<\/span>. Last national team appearance: October 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
                          • Noah Botic (ST) \u2014 Austria Wien forward <\/span>broke his ankle<\/span> in training in late November (also tore the syndesmotic and medial ligaments), expected to miss six to nine months. Last international call-up: September 2025<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                            Turkey<\/strong><\/p>\n

                              \n
                            • Arda Guler (AM) \u2014 Suffered a right hamstring injury playing for Real Madrid on April 21, ruled out for the rest of the season, <\/span>but hoping to return for the World Cup<\/span>. Last national team appearance: March 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                              Group E<\/b><\/h2>\n

                              Germany<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                \n
                              • Marc-Andre Ter Stegen (GK) \u2014 Underwent hamstring surgery on February 7, just over two weeks after joining Girona on loan from Barcelona. Last national team appearance: June 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
                              • Tom Bischof (CM) \u2014 Bayern Munich confirmed on April 15 that the 20-year-old had suffered a left calf injury. Last national team appearance: June 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
                              • Lennart Karl (AM) \u2014 Bischof\u2019s club team-mate sustained \u201cmuscle fibre tear in the back of his right thigh\u201d in early April. Last national team appearance: March 2026<\/span><\/li>\n
                              • Karim Adeyemi (RW) \u2014 Missed Borussia Dortmund\u2019s game against Hoffenheim on April 18 with a muscular issue. Last national team appearance: October 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
                              • Serge Gnabry (ST)<\/strong> \u2014 Sustained an adductor tear in his right thigh, confirmed on April 22 that he would miss the World Cup. Last national team appearance: March 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                Curacao<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                Ivory Coast<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                  \n
                                • Evann Guessand (RW) \u2014 Sustained knee injury playing for Crystal Palace on April 16, expected to miss several weeks. Last national team appearance: March 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                  Ecuador<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                    \n
                                  • Gonzalo Valle (GK) \u2014 Picked up a knee injury in action for Ecuador on March 31. Last national team appearance: March 2026<\/span><\/li>\n
                                  • Denil Castillo (CM) \u2014 Midtjylland midfielder withdrew injured from March\u2019s Ecuador squad. Last national team appearance: November 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
                                  • Patrik Mercado (CM)<\/strong> \u2014 Tore ACL playing for Independiente del Valle on March 22. Last national team appearance: November 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
                                  • Nilson Angulo (LW) \u2014 Sunderland winger has been out since March 8 with a muscle injury. Last national team appearance: November 2025<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                                    Group F<\/b><\/h2>\n

                                    Netherlands<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                      \n
                                    • Mark Flekken (GK) \u2014 Missed Bayer Leverkusen\u2019s game against Koln in late April with \u201cmuscular problems\u201d, per the club. Last national team appearance: March 2026<\/span><\/li>\n
                                    • Matthijs de Ligt (CB) \u2014 Sidelined since November 30 with a back injury, uncertain whether the 26-year-old will return this season. Last national team appearance: November 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
                                    • Jurrien Timber (RB) \u2014 Sustained an ankle injury playing for Arsenal on March 13. Last national team appearance: November 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
                                    • Jerdy Schouten (DM)<\/strong> \u2014 Sustained ACL tear in early April, will miss the rest of the season and World Cup. Last national team appearance: March 2026<\/span><\/li>\n
                                    • Justin Kluivert (AM) \u2014 Underwent knee surgery on January 6. Last national team appearance: November 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
                                    • Xavi Simons (AM)<\/strong> \u2014 Suffered a knee injury playing for Tottenham Hotspur on April 25, which was confirmed to be an ACL. Last national team appearance: March 20<\/span><\/span>\n
                                      \n
                                      \"Simons<\/p>\n
                                      \n

                                      \n Simons\u2019 will miss the World Cup ((Michael Steele\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

                                    • Memphis Depay (ST) \u2014 Sustained a hamstring injury playing for Corinthians. Last national team appearance: November 2025<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                      Japan<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                        \n
                                      • Koki Machida (CB) \u2014 Hoffenheim defender sustained an ACL tear in late August. Last national team appearance: June 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
                                      • Wataru Endo (DM) \u2014 Sustained an ankle ligament injury playing for Liverpool on February 11. Last national team appearance: November 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
                                      • Takumi Minamino (ST) \u2014 Tore ACL in Monaco\u2019s game against Auxerre on December 22. Last national team appearance: November 2025<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                        Sweden<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                          \n
                                        • Emil Krafth (RB) \u2014 Newcastle defender underwent knee surgery in February, ruling him out for the season. Last national team appearance: November 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
                                        • Gustav Lundgren (RW) \u2014 Suffered an Achilles injury playing for Swedish team GAIS on April 6. Last national team appearance: March 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                          Tunisia<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                            \n
                                          • Montassar Talbi (CB) \u2014 Sustained a calf injury playing for Lorient in early April. Last national team appearance: January 2026<\/li>\n
                                          • Dylan Bronn (CB) \u2014 Servette defender picked up a knee issue in February, has returned to training. Last national team appearance: January 2026<\/span><\/li>\n
                                          • Hannibal Mejbri (AM) \u2014 Suffered a hamstring injury playing for Burnley on March 21. Last national team appearance: January 2026<\/span><\/li>\n
                                          • Elias Saad (LW) \u2014 Frankfurt winger sustained a right thigh injury in action for German team St. Pauli. Last national team appearance: April 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                                            Group G<\/b><\/h2>\n

                                            Belgium<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                              \n
                                            • Thibaut Courtois (GK) \u2014 Sustained a thigh injury against Manchester City on March 17, out for four to six weeks. Last national team appearance: October 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
                                            • Nathan De Cat (CM) \u2014 Anderlecht confirmed on April 13 that the 17-year-old would miss four to six weeks due to an ankle injury. Last national team appearance: March 2026<\/span><\/li>\n
                                            • Romelu Lukaku (ST) \u2014 Has been dealing with a hamstring injury all season, last featured for Napoli on March 6. Last international appearance: June 2025<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                              Egypt<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                \n
                                              • Mohamed Hamdi (LB)<\/strong> \u2014 Tore his ACL playing for Egypt at AFCON on January 5, will miss the World Cup. Last international appearance: January 2026<\/span><\/li>\n
                                              • Mohamed Salah (RW) \u2014 Liverpool player sustained a hamstring injury on April 25. Last international appearance: January 2026<\/span><\/li>\n
                                              • Islam Issa (LW)<\/strong> \u2014 Will miss the World Cup after tearing his left ACL in action against Spain on March 31. Last national team appearance: March 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                Iran<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                  \n
                                                • Majid Hosseini (CB)<\/strong> \u2014 Has been dealing with chronic Achilles tendinitis since August, with Kayerispor confirming in February that he would miss at least six more months after surgery. Last national team appearance: November 2025<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                  New Zealand<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                    \n
                                                  • Nando Pijnaker (CB) \u2014 Dislocated his right shoulder playing for Auckland FC on April 11. Last national team appearance: November 2024<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                  • Francis de Vries (LB) \u2014 Injured his right calf playing for New Zealand on March 27, expected to miss six weeks. Last national team appearance: March 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                                                    Group H<\/b><\/h2>\n

                                                    Spain<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                      \n
                                                    • Mikel Merino (CM) \u2014 Underwent surgery on a right foot injury on February 1, expected to miss the rest of the season. Last national team appearance: November 2025<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                    • Lamine Yamal (RW) \u2014 Sustained a hamstring injury playing for Barcelona on April 22. Expected to miss the rest of the season but be fit for the World Cup. Last national team appearance: March 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                                                      \n
                                                      \"\"<\/p>\n
                                                      \n

                                                      \n (Josep Lago\/AFP via Getty Images)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n