World Cup: Neymar, Yamal, Pulisic, Davies Injury Updates Ahead of Opening Matches
Key players, including Brazil's Neymar and Spain's Lamine Yamal, are facing fitness challenges ahead of their respective 2026 World Cup openers. Neymar is expected to miss Brazil's initial match against Morocco due to a calf injury, though coach Carlo Ancelotti hopes he will be available for their second game. Yamal, who recently returned to full training after a hamstring injury, is anticipated to be ready for Spain's first fixture against Cape Verde, potentially with limited minutes. Meanwhile, the United States' Christian Pulisic and Canada's Alphonso Davies are also managing calf and hamstring issues, respectively, with their teams optimistic about their swift return to play.
Several prominent players are managing injuries as the 2026 World Cup approaches its opening matches, potentially impacting their national teams' initial performances.
Brazil's 34-year-old forward, Neymar, is expected to miss the team's opening match against Morocco on Saturday due to a grade two calf injury sustained three weeks before the tournament. While Neymar has not played for the national team in nearly three years, coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed optimism that he could be available for Brazil's subsequent game against Haiti next Friday.
Spain's 18-year-old winger, Lamine Yamal, has returned to full training after being sidelined with a left hamstring injury since April 22. Coach Luis de la Fuente indicated that Yamal is expected to be ready for Spain's opener against Cape Verde on Monday, possibly with restricted playing time. Fellow Spain winger Nico Williams and Mikel Merino have also returned to training after their respective issues.
For co-hosts United States, star player Christian Pulisic was withdrawn at halftime during their 4-1 victory over Paraguay due to a calf problem resulting from a kick. Both Pulisic and coach Mauricio Pochettino hope the injury is not severe and that Pulisic will be fit for their next match against Australia on Friday.
Canada's captain, Alphonso Davies, missed their 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina due to a hamstring injury suffered in May. However, an MRI showed positive healing signs, and coach Jesse Marsch is hopeful that Davies could be fit for their next match against Qatar on Thursday and potentially feature in the group stage.
England's Bukayo Saka, who has been managing an Achilles problem, made a late appearance in a friendly win against Costa Rica. His fitness for England's opening match against Croatia on Wednesday is still under assessment.
(Source: Yahoo Sports Soccer)
