Injuries & Player Updates

Kane Ruled Out of England’s Japan Friendly After Training Knock

Harry Kane
April 2026

Harry Kane was left out of England’s match against Japan after picking up a minor issue in training. The striker remained with the squad for assessment, but Thomas Tuchel chose not to risk him in a camp already hit by multiple withdrawals. England said Kane was being rested as a precaution rather than sent back to Bayern Munich immediately. His absence forced Tuchel into a different attacking setup, with England starting without a recognised central striker and using a more fluid front line instead.

Lukaku Denies Turning His Back on Napoli Amid Injury Tension

Romelu Lukaku
March 2026

Romelu Lukaku has rejected suggestions that he is distancing himself from Napoli after staying in Belgium to continue injury recovery. The striker said he is dealing with inflammation around the iliopsoas area and insisted he would never abandon the club during a difficult period. Lukaku withdrew from Belgium’s warm-up matches to focus on fitness work, with Reuters reporting that the Belgian federation said he opted to train instead of playing. He then publicly explained that rehabilitation in Belgium was chosen to get him clinically back to full condition after repeated setbacks

Neuer Targets Real Madrid Tie but Bayern Return Timing Still Unclear

Manuel Neuer
March 2026

Manuel Neuer is reportedly close to returning from his calf injury, with hopes rising that he could be available for Bayern Munich’s Champions League tie against Real Madrid. His comeback would be a major boost after another interruption in a season shaped by recurring muscle issues. Recent reporting in Germany says Neuer has resumed availability discussions and could be an option around Bayern’s next run of matches, though there has not been a new official Bayern announcement confirming full clearance. His workload is expected to be managed carefully even if he is deemed fit enough to return.

Arsenal Sweat on Hincapie Fitness After Ecuador Withdrawal

Piero Hincapie
March 2026

Piero Hincapie has reportedly withdrawn from Ecuador duty after picking up a knock in the friendly against Morocco, giving Arsenal another fitness concern before club action resumes. The defender was absent from training as Ecuador prepared for their next match against the Netherlands. Reports say the decision was taken jointly by Ecuador’s staff and Arsenal’s medical team to avoid the problem worsening at a delicate stage of the season. I have not found a primary official federation statement confirming the exact diagnosis, so the injury detail should still be treated cautiously.

Kulusevski Undergoes Further Knee Surgery as Tottenham Wait Continues

Dejan Kulusevski
March 2026

Dejan Kulusevski has undergone another knee operation, extending an already long absence that has kept him out for the entire 2025-26 season so far. The Tottenham winger said little about timing and avoided setting any return date as he continues rehabilitation. Reports said the second surgery in 10 months was intended to address lingering complications that had blocked the final stages of his comeback. Sweden coach Graham Potter had recently said Kulusevski was still only at a support-stage rehab level, underlining how far he remains from match action

Kulusevski to Join Sweden Camp in Support Role During Rehab

Dejan Kulusevski
March 2026

Dejan Kulusevski will link up with Sweden’s camp despite still being sidelined, with Graham Potter wanting the Tottenham forward around the squad for morale and support. He is not expected to play, but his presence is viewed as useful during a high-pressure international window.
Reports said Kulusevski will visit the Sweden camp in Spain while continuing his recovery from a long-term knee injury. Potter said the stage of his rehab makes the visit manageable, even though he remains unavailable for competitive action.

Gattuso Sends Chiesa Home Before Italy’s World Cup Playoff With Northern Ireland

Gennaro Gattuso
March 2026

Gennaro Gattuso confirmed Federico Chiesa left Italy’s camp before the playoff against Northern Ireland after reporting minor physical issues and doubts over his readiness. The decision removes one of Italy’s most experienced wide options from a match carrying huge pressure and qualification stakes. Gattuso said Chiesa’s condition and mindset did not justify keeping him with the squad, adding that the choice was taken together. Italy are now focusing fully on the playoff, with the coach stressing calmness, positivity and the need to avoid another World Cup qualifying collapse

Saliba Pulls Out of France Squad as Lacroix Earns First Senior Call-Up

William Saliba
March 2026

William Saliba has withdrawn from the France squad because of recurring pain in his left ankle, forcing him out of the upcoming friendlies in the United States. Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix has been called up as his replacement for a first senior international selection. Saliba played the full 90 minutes in Arsenal’s Carabao Cup final defeat before the French federation decided the issue required treatment and at least 10 days of rest. Lacroix’s call-up rewards a strong club season and gives France a fresh defensive option before the World Cup.

Vlahovic Returns to Juventus Squad for Sassuolo as Thuram and Zhegrova Also Included

Dusan Vlahovic
March 2026

Dusan Vlahovic has returned to the Juventus squad for the first time in more than 100 days after passing a late fitness test. Khephren Thuram is also back in the group, while Edon Zhegrova has been included despite fresh muscle fatigue concerns. Vlahovic felt discomfort in final training and needed a decisive check on matchday before being cleared for selection. Thuram recovered enough after his recent ankle issue, while Zhegrova remains under close medical supervision and may only be fit enough for a place on the bench.

Thuram Nears Return While Vlahovic Edges Closer to Juventus Comeback

Khephren Thuram
March 2026

Juventus have been handed encouraging updates on Khephren Thuram and Dusan Vlahovic, with Thuram pushing to start again and Vlahovic nearing his first minutes after a long absence. Both developments offer a timely boost as Juventus look to maintain momentum. Thuram’s ankle bruise has reportedly settled, with swelling almost gone and a return to the squad expected at Continassa. Vlahovic is improving under a managed workload programme and may be limited to a short cameo, while his unresolved contract situation continues to hover in the background.

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