Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal face World Cup 2026 fitness races
Several prominent international football stars, including Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal, are facing a race to be fit for the 2026 World Cup after sustaining late-season injuries.
The expanded 48-team tournament begins across the United States, Canada and Mexico on 11 June.
Final squad lists for the competition must be submitted by participating nations in late May.
However, a congested domestic calendar has taken a heavy toll on some of the sport’s most influential names.
Mbappe participation in doubt
France captain Mbappe suffered a hamstring injury while playing for Real Madrid against Real Betis on 24 April.
The Spanish club confirmed the forward damaged the semitendinosus muscle in his left leg.
No official timeline has been provided for the prolific goalscorer’s return to action.
A mild strain could see the former Parisian feature before the end of the La Liga campaign, but a severe tear would jeopardise his summer with Les Bleus.
Yamal and Estevao suffer hamstring setbacks
Spain international Yamal will miss the remainder of Barcelona’s season after picking up a similar hamstring issue against Celta Vigo.
Despite the 18-year-old being ruled out of domestic duties, his club remains optimistic about his international prospects.
He is expected to be available for the World Cup.
Meanwhile, Chelsea teenager Estevao was forced off during a recent Premier League defeat to Manchester United.
Blues interim manager Calum McFarlane confirmed the Brazilian winger will not feature again in this club campaign.
Conflicting reports suggest the youngster may have suffered a high-grade tear, which would likely rule him out of Brazil’s squad.
Modric undergoes facial surgery
Croatia veteran Luka Modric is another high-profile concern following a facial injury sustained on 26 April.
The midfielder fractured his left cheekbone during AC Milan’s draw with Juventus.
He has since undergone surgery and is not expected to represent his club again this term.
