Barcelona, Frenkie de Jong and the Netherlands
Thursday

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is set to miss the start of the season and could be out for months with a medial collateral ligament injury. The club confirmed he hurt his right knee during the World Cup.

Surgery has been ruled out for now, but De Jong will not be ready for Barcelona’s LaLiga opener against Elche. His absence leaves Hansi Flick short in midfield after the Dutchman played every World Cup match.

Arsenal, William Saliba and France
Wednesday

Arsenal confirmed William Saliba will miss an extended period with a back injury suffered during France’s World Cup campaign. The defender avoids surgery but will now begin a managed rehabilitation programme.

Saliba went off during France’s semi-final defeat by Spain and missed the third-place play-off. His absence is a major blow to Arsenal as they prepare to defend the Premier League title in August.

Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and Inter Miami
Monday

Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul will miss Inter Miami’s next two MLS matches after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat. ESPN reported both players will sit out games against Chicago Fire and CF Montréal.

Messi played all 120 minutes of the final and started every Argentina match at the tournament. Their rest follows wider player-welfare guidance recommending at least 21 days off after a demanding season.

Rodri, Manchester City and Spain
After Spain’s World Cup win

Rodri is reportedly set to miss the start of Manchester City’s season because of surgery on an unspecified injury. The setback comes after he captained Spain to the World Cup and won the tournament’s Golden Ball.

The issue adds uncertainty around his City future, with his contract entering its final year. City want a renewal, but his fitness, Spain dominance and Real Madrid links keep his situation under close attention.

Emiliano Martinez and Argentina
Friday before the World Cup final

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez admitted he has been playing through daily pain in his right hand throughout the World Cup. Specialists had advised surgery after he fractured his ring finger before Aston Villa’s Europa League final.

Martinez avoided an operation so he could play in the tournament and trained separately during the group stage. He has still started every Argentina match and is now set to face Spain in his second straight World Cup final.

Paul Pogba and Monaco
Saturday

Paul Pogba made a long-awaited return to the pitch for Monaco in a pre-season friendly against Saint-Priest. The former Manchester United midfielder featured in the second half as Monaco won 5-2.

Pogba’s appearance gives him a chance to rebuild after a difficult spell at Monaco and uncertainty over his future. He did not score or assist, but simply playing again was significant after recent fitness and career setbacks.

Kobbie Mainoo, England and Manchester United
Saturday before England’s bronze match

Kobbie Mainoo missed England’s third-place play-off against France after picking up an injury, ending his World Cup without a single minute on the pitch. The FA confirmed he was ruled out of the matchday squad.

The injury adds a worrying club issue for Manchester United, while also deepening questions over Thomas Tuchel’s use of Mainoo. The midfielder had been tipped to get minutes once England rotated after their semi-final defeat.

Marc Cucurella, Spain and Luis de la Fuente
Before Sunday’s World Cup final

Marc Cucurella says he will retire from international football if Spain beat Argentina in the World Cup final. The Chelsea defender believes winning Euro 2024 and the World Cup would complete his Spain career.

Cucurella has played every minute of Spain’s run to the final and also promised a tattoo of Luis de la Fuente if Spain win. His comments create a surprising player-future subplot before the biggest match of his career.

Jarrod Bowen and West Ham United
Friday

West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen has confirmed he will stay with the club for their first Championship season since 2011-12. The 29-year-old forward had been linked with a Premier League move after the Hammers were relegated.

Bowen said his motivation is to help West Ham return to the Premier League and backed the club’s direction after meeting directors in Prague. His decision gives Nuno Espirito Santo a major boost before the new campaign.

William Saliba, Arsenal and France
Thursday after France’s semi-final defeat

Arsenal will assess William Saliba’s back injury when he returns from World Cup duty, with surgery among the possible options. The France centre-back had carried the issue for weeks before being forced off against Spain.

An operation would likely mean a long-term lay-off, making the decision significant for Arsenal’s new season. Saliba played 50 club games last season and admitted he had been gritting his teeth through several months of niggles.