Éder Militão and Rodrygo are already out; Brazil fears losing more names in the 2026 World Cup

Faltando just over a month before the start of Copa of Mundo, injuries to prominent players in world football are already beginning to redesign the national team scenario. Brasil faces the most critical situation among the major powers.

The confirmation that Rodrygo and Éder Militão will not be present in the competition marks a significant blow to the coach’s strategy.

Rodrygo and Militão: Brazilian absences confirmed

Rodrygo suffered a torn knee ligament in March and is definitely out for Copa from Mundo. The injury, of a serious nature, eliminated any possibility of recovery within the available time. Éder Militão, in turn, will have to undergo thigh surgery and will also not be able to participate in the tournament. The Real Madrid defender received intense monitoring in recent weeks, but the final diagnosis decreed his withdrawal from the competition.

Vanderson completes the triad of confirmed absences from the Brazilian team. The right-back underwent a surgical procedure and practically lost the chance of recovering in time. Três plays important parts of the coach’s planning changes in the last few days before the tournament begins.

Recuperações at risk: Estêvão, Alisson and Raphinha

Nem all issues in Brasil have been sealed as permanent. Estêvão, Alisson and Raphinha deal with thigh injuries and race against the clock in search of recovery. Estêvão is one of the jewels of the Brazilian base and his absence would create a vacuum in the attack. Alisson, starting goalkeeper, represents an essential part of the defense. Raphinha, starting left-back, is also trying to fight the schedule to be fit.

The confederation’s medical departments work at a fast pace. Prognósticos indicates a return to the field in May for at least two of these names. Alisson evolves slightly faster than its companions.

European Seleções also suffer from absences

França loses Ekitiké, a young striker who suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon. Mbappé, in turn, is treating a thigh injury and remains on an estimated return schedule before the tournament. Alemanha will have a confirmed absence of Serge Gnabry, with a thigh injury that makes his participation unfeasible. Lamine Yamal, from Espanha, was out of the season, but a medical perspective points to a return in time for Copa. Rodri, a prominent Spanish attacking midfielder, is treating a groin injury and is expected to return in May.

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Holanda remains on alert with Xavi Simons, who suffered a torn ligament and will not be present. Memphis has started his physical transition and is projected to return before the start of the tournament.

Países outside the main axis also faces embezzlement

Portugal deals with Rúben Dias’s thigh injury, but outlook is back before tournament. Croácia monitors Luka Modric, who is recovering from a cheekbone injury. Argentina follows a knee injury to Cristian Romero, an important defender in the defense. Arda Güler, from Turquia, treats a femoral biceps injury. Piquerez, from Uruguai, underwent surgery and is trying to recover in the final weeks before the tournament.

The distribution of injuries between the teams reveals a worrying pattern. Muitos embezzlements occurred in March and April, an intense period of club competitions. The European calendar puts pressure on players and increases exposure to risks.

Quadro overview of confirmed and recovering absences

• Fora definitely: Rodrygo (Brasil), Éder Militão (Brasil), Vanderson (Brasil), Ekitiké (França), Serge Gnabry (Alemanha), Xavi Simons (Holanda)
• In recovery with expected return: Estêvão (Brasil), Alisson (Brasil), Raphinha (Brasil), Mbappé (França), Lamine Yamal (Espanha), Rodri (Espanha), Memphis (Holanda), Rúben Dias (Portugal), Luka Modric (Croácia), Cristian Romero (Argentina), Arda Güler (Turquia), Piquerez (Uruguai)

The scenario remains fluid. Algumas selections are at greater risk than others of experiencing setbacks in the recovery schedule. Cada medical decision in the next 30 days could significantly change the list of candidates for the world title. Brasil, especially, sees its options reduced and hopes that Estêvão and Alisson will be available on time.