Players who could miss some of the World Cup through injury

Several stars from nations amongst the ‘favourites’ for the World Cup could be forced to miss part or all of the World Cup through injury.

Here are the names who will or look in danger of missing at least some of the tournament…

Spain: Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams

Yamal is definitely expected to play a part in the tournament, but a hamstring issue he picked up at Barcelona at the end of the season may rule him out of the start of the tournament.

Williams is also dealing with a hamstring injury, and is also battling to be fit for the start of the tournament. He said in a recent interview: “I’ll try to be back as soon as possible, and we’ll see if that can be for the first match.”

Germany: Manuel Neuer, Deniz Undav

Germany have been dealing with a couple of issues in their squad. Neuer is dealing with a minor calf injury but is expected to be fit to start the first game of the tournament.

Striker Undav suffered a knock in a friendly against Finland this week, but insisted he does not think it is too serious.

Brazil: Neymar

Brazil are facing the possibility of star player Neymar missing some of the tournament. Carlo Ancelotti took a gamble bringing him into the squad, but his calf injury was worse than expected and he could miss a couple of weeks.

England: Tino Livramento

Livramento is dealing with a thigh problem and hasn’t played for Newcastle since April 18. It remains to been seen what part he can play in the World Cup. Thomas Tuchel took a risk in taking him, given some of the excellent full-back options left out.

Netherlands: Memphis Depay

For many it will be a surprise that Depay, now playing for Corinthians in Brazil, was in the squad. He picked up a thigh injury in March and was included in the squad. He has been starting to play some minutes again over the last week of action and should be ready for the first game.

Argentina: Lionel Messi, Cristian Romero

Romero hasn’t played for Tottenham since April 12 because of a knee injury, but is hoping to be fit for Argentina’s opening game.

Messi, arguably the greatest player of all time, picked up an injury with Inter Miami just weeks before the World Cup was due to start. It was an overload associated with muscle fatigue, but he should be fit for the start of the tournament.

Portugal: None

Portugal are the only country from the ‘favourites’ who have a clean bill of health going into the tournament.