Injuries Threaten Stars' 2026 World Cup

MILAN, TUESDAY — At the end of the 2025-2026 competition season, one by one, the stars of the green field are concluding their season earlier. They choose to step aside and enter the treatment room sooner for the grand purpose of representing their country in the 2026 World Cup.

Luka Modric has become the latest player to conclude his debut season with AC Milan. A fracture of the left zygomatic bone in his face, resulting from a collision with Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli during the 34th week of the Italian League match on Monday (27/4/2026) in the early hours, led to Modric being substituted in the 80th minute.

Although he could still sit on the bench until the final whistle, Modric had to undergo surgery on Monday to repair his zygomatic bone. This part of the bone serves to protect the eye socket and encase the facial muscles.

"Luka Modric has undergone surgery to treat a complex fracture of the left zygomatic bone. The operation was performed by Dr. Luca Autelitano's team at the La Madonnina Clinic in Milan. The club hopes Luka recovers quickly ahead of the World Cup," stated an official announcement from Milan on the club's website, Tuesday (28/4/2026) early morning WIB.

The efforts made by Milan open the opportunity for the 40-year-old veteran midfielder to participate in his fifth World Cup. Modric proves alongside Milan that age is just a number. His record of 36 appearances with two goals and three assists showcases the quality of the captain of the Croatian national team.

In addition to Modric, Croatian Coach Zlatko Dalic remains anxiously hopeful due to the injury suffered by key defender, Josko Gvardiol. The Manchester City player has been sidelined since mid-April due to a knee issue.

Kylian Mbappe may also be unable to contribute to Real Madrid in the remaining five matches of La Liga. A left thigh muscle injury caused Mbappe to not play the full match against Real Betis last weekend.

This is the third injury issue that the captain of the French national team has faced this season. Previously, Mbappe had to be sidelined for about 30 days due to knee problems on two separate occasions. He missed two matches for Real in January, followed by a treatment period in February-March, which resulted in him not playing in five matches for "Los Blancos."

Mbappe's role is certainly irreplaceable by French Coach Didier Deschamps. After losing Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool) who suffered an Achilles tendon tear, Deschamps certainly does not want to lose another forward.

Moreover, Mbappe has the ambition to become the fourth player to appear in three World Cup finals. This record is held by the Brazilian duo, Cafu and Ronaldo, as well as two German legends, Lothar Matthaeus and Pierre Littbarski.

Before Mbappe, Real had already lost the creative midfielder, Arda Guler, who suffered a hamstring injury. Guler needs rest in order to be able to participate in his first World Cup with the Turkish national team.

Brazil is also in a less than ideal condition as center-back Eder Militao can no longer continue his tenure at Los Blancos this season. This situation threatens the depth of the "Selecao" defense.

Brazilian coach Carlo Ancelotti hopes that the injury list does not increase. He has confirmed that he will not be able to utilize the services of Rodrygo Goes, who is suffering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, thus ending his season early with Real.

Two other wingers, Raphinha (Barcelona) and Estevao (Chelsea), are also facing time to recover from their muscle injuries.

Two icons of the national teams participating in the World Cup are also currently injured. They are Lamine Yamal from Spain and Mohamed Salah, who is an icon of Egypt.

Yamal and Salah have similar hamstring issues. Without Yamal, Barcelona is not affected in the competition for the La Liga title. The "Blaugrana" only needs an additional five points from the remaining five matches.

"Lamine is undergoing an intensive care plan. He will not play for the remainder of the season and is expected to be available for the World Cup," stated Barca.

Salah is also racing against time to heal the hamstring pain in his left thigh. This condition has forced Salah to take optimal rest amid preparations for his second World Cup appearance since Russia 2018.

For Egypt, Salah is the most important leader and player. The director of the Egyptian national team, Ibrahim Hassan, revealed that Salah's injury was caused by a tear in his hamstring muscle. Hassan stated that Salah must be sidelined for four weeks.

"The technical staff of the Egyptian national team will monitor Salah's condition. God willing, he will appear in the World Cup in normal condition," said Hassan.

In addition to their respective national teams, hopes for these key players to perform also come from their sponsors, one of which is the sports apparel brand that supports them. Yamal and Salah, for instance, are the main faces for the latest Adidas products alongside Lionel Messi, the captain of Argentina.

Mbappe is a key figure for Nike's marketing. Mbappe's role for Nike is now on par with Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) and Erling Haaland (Norway). (AFP/REUTERS)