Eight high-profile players who are set to miss the World Cup through injury
With less than two months to go until the start of this summer's World Cup, a handful of players are fighting tooth and nail to overcome their fitness issues. Others, meanwhile, have no chance of making it.
Earlier this week, a heartbroken Serge Gnabry confirmed that he will miss this summer's showpiece event in the United States, Canada and Mexico after an unfortunate incident ruled him out.
Ahead of Bayern Munich's clash against Stuttgart on Sunday (April 19), the former Arsenal winger suffered a torn adductor muscle in his right thigh during a routine training session.
He soon took to Instagram to confirm the news every German fan was dreading. "The last few days have been tough to process," he wrote.
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"A Bayern season which still holds much to play for after securing another Bundesliga title on the weekend. As for the World Cup dream with the DFB team, that’s sadly over for me. Like the rest of the country, I’ll be supporting the boys from home."
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann reacted to the news, saying: "I feel deeply sorry for Serge. This is truly bitter news — especially now, during the final sprint of the season, with such massive and crucial matches lying ahead."
So, who else will be ruled out of this summer's tournament?
Rodrygo - Brazil
Back in March, Real Madrid forward Rodrygo called it "one of the worst days of my life" after he was ruled out of the World Cup with a serious knee injury.
The 25-year-old, who made five appearances for Brazil at the 2022 World Cup, suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and a rupture of the lateral meniscus of his right leg during a clash against Getafe.
"Maybe life has been a little cruel to me lately, I don't know if I deserve this, but what can I complain about? How many wonderful things I've experienced that I didn't deserve either," he said.
"I'm out of the rest of the season with my club and out of the World Cup with my country, a dream that everyone knows how much it means to me. And all I can do is be strong as always, this is nothing new," added the Brazilian.
Samu Aghehowa - Spain
Aghehowa's season came to a devastating end in February, when he was forced off at half-time during Porto's top-of-the-table clash against Sporting CP.
The 21-year-old, who had scored 13 goals in 20 league appearances for the Portuguese club this season, suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament, meaning he is set to miss out on a chance to play in his first World Cup with Spain.
“I suffered a serious injury. I still can’t believe it. I’m devastated, speechless,” Samu said on Instagram.
“I’ll be out of action for a few months. It hurts me not being able to help the team as I’d like, fighting on the field. Now I’m just another fan supporting us. Trusting in God’s plan, being strong and positive is what will make me come back stronger than ever.”
Hugo Ekitike – France
Ekitike has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon in Liverpool's Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain, an injury that could keep him out for nine months.
France manager Didier Deschamps has said it is a "huge blow" for the country.
“Hugo is one of around ten young players who have made their international debuts in recent months," said Deschamps. "He had settled in perfectly with the squad, both on and off the pitch.
"He is deeply disappointed. I am convinced that Hugo will get back to his best. But I wanted to express my full support for him, as well as that of the entire coaching staff. We know he will be right behind the French team, and we are all thinking of him very much.”
Ekitike responded to his setback by saying: “It’s hard, maybe even unfair. But I’m grateful this is happening to me here, among you. I’m not alone. Your strength and your love will be my driving force. See you again soon, Anfield.”
Jack Grealish - England
Grealish will 'definitely miss the World Cup', according to talkSPORT. The 30-year-old sustained a stress fracture in his foot against former club Aston Villa in January and required surgery.
"Didn't want the season to end like this, but that's football, gutted," he wrote on Instagram.
"Surgery done and now all focus on getting back fit. I know for sure I will come back fitter, stronger and better than before."
Grealish has made 39 appearances for the England national team since his senior debut in 2020 and featured at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He has yet to feature for the Three Lions under Thomas Tuchel.
Takumi Minamino – Japan
Minamino, who is widely regarded as one of Japan's most important players, has been central to their success in recent years.
However, it looks like they will have to be without the former Liverpool midfielder at this summer's World Cup after he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament while playing for Monaco in December.
That being said, Monaco manager Sebastien Pocognoli provided some hope in February. Speaking in a press conference, he said: “Maybe for ‘Taki’, there is hope for another competition at the end of the season.”
Minamino had been enjoying a productive season before his injury. He registered four goals and three assists in 21 appearances across all competitions.
Luis Angel Malagon – Mexico
Mexico will be without their first-choice goalkeeper at the World Cup after Malagon ruptured his Achilles tendon during Club America’s win over Philadelphia Union in March.
Taking to Instagram after suffering the injury, he wrote: “Hurt and sad, my soul shattered. Trying to understand the situation and asking why? The dream seems to be fading away, but I know that God will one day give me an answer.”
Malagon, who made his senior international debut in 2023, helped Mexico win the Concacaf Nations League and Concacaf Gold Cup last year, earning the latter’s Golden Glove award.
As a result of his withdrawal, legendary shot-stopper Guillermo Ochoa could feature in his sixth (YES SIXTH) World Cup. The 40-year-old last featured for his country in 2024, when he made his 151st cap.
Patrick Agyemang – USA
Agyemang, who has made 14 caps for the United States national side, will miss his home World Cup after the 25-year-old suffered a serious Achilles tendon injury during Derby's 2-0 win over Stoke in April.
"As a result of this injury, Patrick will unfortunately miss this summer's FIFA World Cup," Derby said in a statement. "At this stage it would be wrong to put a timeline on his recovery."
Agyemang has been a key player under Mauricio Pochettino. He played against Portugal and Belgium in the recent international break, and found the back of the net in a 5-2 defeat against the latter.
“Man, words can’t really describe the moment I realised what happened. You can only imagine the thoughts going through my head… but that’s life sometimes," Agyemang said on Instagram.
“First, I just want to thank God for everything He’s done in my life and for all that’s still to come. Also, [I] wanted to say thank you all for the love, messages, and support. It’s been amazing and truly touched my heart. I’ll be back soon, don’t worry."
As well as the above names, a handful of high-profile faces have question marks around their fitness ahead of the World Cup, including Brazil's Estevao, Spain's Lamine Yamal and Turkey's Arda Guler.
Topics: FIFA World Cup, Spain, England, France, Germany, Japan, Brazil
Jack Kenmare