Injury Updates: Neymar, Yamal, and Pulisic Ahead of World Cup Matches

Neymar has started limited training as he aims to recover in time to play for Brazil in what might be his final World Cup appearance.

The forward has been sidelined with a calf injury sustained while playing for Santos in May and underwent medical tests on Monday to assess his recovery progress.

He is unlikely to participate in Brazil’s second Group C match against Haiti on Friday, with the team seeking more offensive energy after a 1-1 draw with Morocco in their opening game.

Return of Lamine Yamal to Spain’s Lineup

Spain’s Lamine Yamal, who had been out since April 22 due to a left hamstring injury, made his comeback as a substitute in their goalless draw against Cape Verde.

Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente confirmed Yamal is in “perfect condition,” and the young player is expected to be considered for the starting lineup against Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

Other Spanish players returning from injury include winger Nico Williams and Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino, who also appeared off the bench against Cape Verde.

Fitness Concerns for North American Stars

Canada’s captain Alphonso Davies missed their 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina due to a hamstring injury sustained in May, and his availability for the upcoming match against Qatar remains uncertain.

Davies described the mental toll of his injuries and expressed determination ahead of Canada’s opener.

Meanwhile, United States player Christian Pulisic was substituted at halftime during their 4-1 victory over Paraguay because of a calf issue, though the injury is not considered serious.

Coach Mauricio Pochettino explained that Pulisic experienced tightness after receiving a kick, leading to a precautionary withdrawal to avoid risks.

Pulisic stated he hopes to recover quickly and is currently undergoing individual training, with his status described as "day to day" by team officials.

Injuries Affecting England and Other Teams

England has already faced an injury setback with defender Tino Livramento ruled out of the tournament due to a calf injury.

Manager Thomas Tuchel opted to call up centre-back Trevoh Chalobah instead of other full-back options, though Chalobah will not be available for England’s opener against Croatia.

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has been managing an Achilles problem but appeared as a substitute in England’s friendly win over Costa Rica, with Tuchel indicating ongoing management of his fitness.

Portugal’s defender Ruben Dias will miss their opening match against DR Congo after sustaining an injury in training, with coach Roberto Martinez confirming the team will avoid taking risks with his fitness.

Other Confirmed Absences from the World Cup

Ghana’s Tottenham forward Mohammed Kudus will miss the tournament due to a quadricep injury, having not played since January.

Japan’s Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo suffered a foot injury in February and has retired from international duty, expressing no regrets about his efforts to recover.

Netherlands defender Jurrien Timber, sidelined since March with a groin problem, was deemed not medically fit to participate and has left the squad.

Germany’s Lennart Karl, expected to be a young talent in the competition, was ruled out after tearing a thigh muscle during training.

Scotland’s midfielder Billy Gilmour sustained a knee injury during their warm-up match against Curacao but remained with the team to support his teammates ahead of their opening game against Haiti.