The run-up to the 2026 World Cup is shaping as much around rehabilitation as selection. Across Europe several of the game’s most influential internationals are carrying injuries that have already curtailed club seasons or left their participation in doubt.

Lamine Yamal’s hamstring problem has ruled him out for the remainder of the season with Barcelona, though the club have insisted he should feature at the World Cup. Estêvão and Arda Güler have also suffered hamstring injuries and been ruled out for the rest of their club campaigns at Chelsea and Real Madrid respectively. Reports say Güler is still set to appear at his first World Cup.

Some long-serving figures have been struck down too. Luka Modrić suffered a fractured cheekbone in AC Milan’s match with Juventus and will miss the rest of the Serie A season. Cristian Romero suffered a season-ending knee injury in Roberto De Zerbi’s first game in charge of Tottenham and was in tears at the time; his availability for the tournament remains unclear.

Mohamed Salah’s club season ended with an unflattering final touch for Liverpool, and his previous World Cup involvement in Russia was affected by fitness concerns after a dislocated shoulder in the Champions League final. Éder Militão has again gone down with a hamstring issue and has been ruled out for the rest of the club season alongside Güler, with recent reports suggesting his injury may be worse than first feared.

Mikel Merino has been absent since undergoing surgery on a fractured foot in January but is expected to be considered by Spain. Dejan Kulusevski is still working his way back after nearly a year out and admitted: “I haven’t played in a year. I know what the chances are,” and added, “But if there is one person on the planet who can do this, I would bet on myself. And we are not just going there to participate. Sweden will aim to be one of the best.”

Other concerns include Matthijs de Ligt, sidelined since November with a back problem but back on the grass at Carrington, Reece James with a fresh hamstring setback, Mohammed Kudus whose comeback was ended by a new quad issue and Joško Gvardiol after a broken leg in the new year. For all of them the coming weeks will determine whether they travel in June.

Real Madrid’s young striker Endrick has left the door open to another temporary move after a productive second half of the season on loan at Lyon. “If I have to return to Real Madrid, I’ll go back there gladly,” Endrick told CANAL+ Foot over the weekend. “If I have to go elsewhere, I’ll go elsewhere.”

The 19-year-old Brazil senior international has averaged a goal or an assist every 106 minutes since arriving in Europe, a return that ensures plenty of interest. Links to Premier League names have circulated, but the concrete possibilities vary widely. A strong showing for Brazil at this summer’s World Cup would only widen Endrick’s options.

Juventus (Likelihood: 1/10)
Juventus have struggled to find a consistent scorer this campaign. Kenan Yıldız is the only player at the club with more than six league goals at this advanced stage, while the combined returns of Jonathan David (six), Loïs Openda (one) and Dušan Vlahović (three) equal Yıldız’s 10 Serie A goals. Luciano Spalletti has even experimented with Weston McKennie as a forward. With Vlahović’s contract talks entering their final weeks, a like-for-like, cheaper forward could appeal. Still, there has been no substantive indication that a move for Endrick is under consideration.

Manchester United (Likelihood: 2/10)
United have more pressing summer priorities in several areas of the squad, with left wing, central midfield and center back ranked above striking reinforcements. Benjamin Šeško fits the profile of a raw forward United might prefer, and reports have suggested the club might instead pursue a more experienced striker if they do recruit up front. One small point in Endrick’s favour is familiarity with wet conditions: “Endrick really likes playing in the rain,” his father once revealed.

Arsenal (Likelihood: 3/10)
Arsenal continue their search for a reliable goalscorer. Viktor Gyökeres’s 18 goals across all competitions look useful on paper but conceal limitations against the division’s stronger sides. Endrick has directly contributed to five goals across three appearances against Marseille, Monaco and Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain during his fleeting loan spell at Lyon. Mikel Arteta has previously accepted Real Madrid loanees and could contemplate another temporary option, though a permanent or more experienced signing may still be preferred.

Manchester United have been linked with Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni as one of several candidates to succeed Casemiro this summer. The Telegraph reports the France international could “feature prominently” on United’s shortlist thanks to his size and trophy experience at Real Madrid.

The 26-year-old remains under contract until 2028 and will not come cheap. Real Madrid signed him from Monaco four years ago for a fee in the region of $84 million (€80 million). Across roughly 190 appearances for the club he has collected La Liga and Champions League honours, a record that increases his market value in an inflated transfer market.

The Telegraph also stress that any exit for Tchouaméni would have to be balanced by a fresh recruit for Real Madrid. Midfield has been a recognised area of transition since the trio which oversaw three consecutive Champions League titles—Casemiro himself along with Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić—was broken up. Tchouaméni was acquired to help bridge one generational midfield to another while the likes of Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde continue to develop.

Even if Madrid were willing to sanction a sale, United face domestic competition and internal debate over priorities. As outlined by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Forest’s Elliot Anderson remains Manchester United’s “top target” in midfield. Anderson is a noted all-rounder and leads Premier League midfielders this season in categories as distinct as passes and duels won.

Crystal Palace’s deep-lying playmaker Adam Wharton is another reported option. Wharton ranks fourth across the division for through balls this season with 20; by comparison Tchouaméni has completed six. With Manchester City’s possible involvement in the market should Rodri move to Madrid, the coming window looks set to revolve around a midfield merry-go-round in which United must weigh defensive solidity against creative versatility.