World Cup Injury Updates: Neymar, Salah, James and More

Brazil’s Neymar made a much-anticipated return as a substitute against Scotland after missing the start of the World Cup with a calf injury. The 34-year-old’s brief appearance marks a hopeful sign for Brazil's knockout stage plans, though it's still unclear if he will start their upcoming matches. Meanwhile, several teams face serious concerns with key players sidelined or doubtful due to injuries.

Neymar (Brazil)

Neymar was absent for Brazil’s opening games due to a calf issue but came off the bench in the final group match against Scotland. Coach Carlo Ancelotti noted Neymar’s progress but remains cautious about playing him more than 15 minutes given his limited training time. Whether Neymar will feature more prominently in the knockouts is yet to be decided.

Reece James (England)

England will miss right-back Reece James in their round of 32 match due to a hamstring problem. He missed the group-stage finale versus Panama and is undergoing accelerated rehab. Manager Thomas Tuchel holds some hope for James’ return later in the tournament but is taking it day by day.

Declan Rice (England)

Rice experienced discomfort in his lower back and hamstring early in the tournament and was rested in the last group game. Although available on the bench, he did not play, as the team avoids unnecessary risks with his fitness.

Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

Salah’s status for Egypt’s knockout matches remains uncertain after a knee injury forced an early substitution in their draw against Iran. Egypt’s coach Hossam Hassan expressed optimism that Salah’s injury isn’t severe and expects him to recover in time.

Yeremy Pino and Nico Williams (Spain)

Spain’s hopes took a hit with injuries to wingers Yeremy Pino and Nico Williams during their match against Uruguay. Pino suffered an acromioclavicular sprain, potentially ruling him out for the rest of the tournament. Williams is dealing with a groin injury sustained in the same match, casting doubt over his availability.

Christian Pulisic (United States)

Pulisic returned from injury to make a half-time exit due to a calf strain in the USA’s opening win but later featured off the bench in a loss to Turkey. His fitness for the knockout rounds remains a focal point for the US squad.

Raphinha (Brazil)

Raphinha has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury in Brazil’s win over Haiti. The Barcelona star is undergoing intensive treatment aimed at a swift return, but he missed their narrow victory against Japan.

Jarell Quansah (England)

England’s right-back situation worsened when Quansah left the Panama game with an ankle twist. He faces days of recovery, adding pressure on the team’s defensive options.

Cristian Romero (Argentina)

Romero was forced off after a knee injury caused by contact during Argentina’s match with Austria. Rested for their final group game, his participation moving forward is uncertain.

Alphonso Davies (Canada)

Davies missed the entire group stage due to a hamstring issue but made a substitute appearance in Canada’s win over South Africa. Coach Jesse Marsch expects him ready for the next match.

Edouard Mendy (Senegal)

Senegal’s goalkeeper Mendy is ruled out of their first knockout match after sustaining a knee injury against Norway.

Auston Trusty (United States)

Trusty rolled his ankle in the defeat against Turkey. Though not requiring a stretcher, his availability for the next game is uncertain.

Victor Munoz (Spain)

Munoz has missed the entire tournament so far due to calf and muscular injuries. He currently trains alone while recovering.

Lucas Paqueta (Brazil)

Paqueta left at half-time with a muscle injury in the thigh during Brazil’s match against Japan. His recovery timeline is unspecified.

Tino Livramento (England)

Livramento was ruled out before the tournament began with a calf injury, forcing England to adjust their defensive options.

Ismael Kone (Canada)

Kone suffered severe leg fractures during Canada’s group match against Qatar and underwent surgery. He will miss the rest of the tournament.

Mohammed Kudus (Ghana)

Kudus will not feature due to a quadriceps injury, missing Ghana’s World Cup campaign.

Other Notable Injuries

• Tomas Soucek (Czech Republic) suffered a severe ankle injury; his team was eliminated.
• Manuel Ugarte (Uruguay) left the field injured after a knee collision; Uruguay also eliminated.
• Nico Schlotterbeck (Germany) tore a ligament in his ankle, ending his tournament early.
• Wataru Endo (Japan) ruled out with foot injury and retired from international football.
• Jurrien Timber (Netherlands) left squad due to insufficient recovery from a groin injury.
• Lennart Karl (Germany) tore a thigh muscle in training and missed the tournament.