17 injured World Cup stars anticipated to overlook the beginning of the Premier League season
The World Cup saw many players picking up injuries as the greats of world football clashed for ultimate glory. Here are the 17 biggest Premier League players who got injured – and who might not be fit in time for the start of the season:
William Saliba
The Arsenal defender was a major feature in their league-winning campaign, but was forced off after just 30 minutes in France’s 2-0 loss against Belgium in the World Cup. Saliba has been battling an ongoing back injury since before the tournament started, but could be out for up to five months. He will miss the third-place match against England on Saturday.
Jordan Henderson
Premier League veteran Jordan Henderson suffered a freak accident whilst jumping over a barrier in celebration of England’s round-of-16 triumph against Mexico. Shattering his arm, he needed immediate surgery, but returned to the sidelines against Mexico and Argentina wearing England kit and a matching cast. Henderson could be out for the start of the regular season with Brentford.
Estêvão
No sooner had 19-year-old Estevao signed for Chelsea when he tore his hamstring. He opted not to have surgery in a bid to try and rehabilitate for the World Cup, but was ultimately not fit enough and did not make Carlos Ancelotti’s Brazil squad. Despite the severity of the injury, Estevao is continuing to make a good recovery and is expected to be back to full fitness for the start of the Premier League season.
Yéremy Pino
Crystal Palace’s Pino was left writhing in pain after suffering a shoulder injury against Uruguay in the World Cup. He was forced to play out the rest in discomfort as Spain had used all their subs, and scans after revealed no fracture. He was given an optimistic recovery time of three weeks but it could stretch to four months.
Manuel Ugarte
Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte will be out for at least nine months after suffering a devastating blow in Uruguay’s game against Spain. He picked up a serious knee injury and was stretchered off the pitch, ending his tournament and ruling him out for Man Utd until at least late 2026.
Victor Muñoz
Liverpool’s new signing Victor Muñoz is yet to feature for Spain in the World Cup, dealing with a calf injury from last season. To add insult, he picked up another injury during the tournament, and will not be back with Liverpool for the start of pre-season training.
Reece James
Chelsea’s Reece James went down in minute 80 of England’s semi-final epic against Argentina. The defender has managed an injury throughout the tournament which made him inconsistent in the starting XI, and fresh fears have grown for Chelsea after his latest setback.
Declan Rice
Arsenal’s golden boy has been managing a nerve issue since last season, and came off when England faced Norway in the World Cup. However, he was back in time for Argentina, and must be careful to avoid aggravating anything ahead of the start of the Premier League.
Xavi Simons
Spurs star Xavi Simons was stretchered off against Wolves last season after rupturing his ACL. Major surgery meant he missed the rest of the season and the World Cup, and is in doubt to help his team avoid a third consecutive relegation battle this year. Having already spent £237m during the transfer window, Spurs are not short of options to replace Simons whilst he’s out.
Hugo Ekitike
Forward Ekitike scored 17 goals in his debut season for Liverpool, but suffered an Achilles tendon rupture against PSG which put him out for the season. This also ruled the Frenchman out of the entire World Cup, having played a major role in the qualifiers. He is expected to miss the start of the season.
Tino Livramento
Initially selected for action in America, Livramento was forced to return home just three agonising days before England’s World Cup campaign began. He has since had a minor surgery to fix the calf injury, and is expected to miss the start of pre-season as he sits out for up to five weeks.
Wataru Endo
Former Japan captain Wataru Endo was similarly forced to withdraw only three days before the tournament. In a heartbreaking twist, he was unable to cope with a foot injury picked up in February, and ended the tournament and his international career with 73 caps for his country.
Mohammed Kudus
Kudus missed out on Ghana’s squad after a setback in recovery from a quad injury in March ended his season for Spurs. He is hoping to finally make a comeback in their first league match against Brentford in August.
Jérémy Jacquet
After signing for Liverpool from Rennes in January, Jacquet suffered a shoulder injury which threatened to derail his debut. Whilst not selected for World Cup duty with France, Jacquet is likely to be joining his squad mates in the US for a pre-season tour after he was declared fully fit. Endo is still not back to full fitness, and his return is in doubt after it was announced he was not back to first-team training.
Kaoru Mitoma
Brighton hotshot Kaoru Mitoma was left out of Japan’s World Cup squad after picking up a hamstring injury during a game against Wolves. Mitoma scored a winner against England in March, and hopes to make a return to action at the start of next season.
Matthijs de Ligt
Mystery surrounding the Manchester United player’s back injury was put to bed when he underwent surgery in May. De Ligt played every minute of Man Utd’s first 13 games last season, but is still a doubt for the very beginning of next season.
Jurriën Timber
Timber missed out on the Netherlands’ World Cup squad through a groin injury sustained in March. The Arsenal man played in their Champions League defeat in May, but was not selected to represent his country. Arsenal seem confident he will be ready to start next season.
