James Milner
February 2026
Milner revealed a complication from a routine knee operation led to a serious issue where he could not lift his foot or toes for six months. What was expected to be a short absence became a long layoff due to post-operation complications affecting function in his foot and toes.
Matthijs de Ligt
February 2026
Carrick confirmed De Ligt’s back problem has been slow to progress, leaving him still out and without a clear comeback timeline. Carrick said the nature of the back issue makes timing hard to pin down, but insisted De Ligt is moving in the right direction and “definitely improving.”
Neymar
February 2026
Neymar returned from injury and played 90 minutes, but drew criticism for under-par form and being blamed for the opening goal as Santos were knocked out by a Serie B opponent. Critics argue his current role disrupts the team’s structure and want him to adapt, while Vojvoda publicly backed his fitness, confidence, and gradual improvement as Neymar targets a Brazil recall for the 2026 World Cup.
Kylian Mbappé
February 2026
Mbappe is expected to miss Real Madrid’s Champions League play-off second leg vs Benfica after suffering knee pain in training. Reports say tests made it “impossible” for him to play, contradicting Arbeloa’s earlier claim that Mbappe was ready, leaving Madrid to defend a 1-0 first-leg lead without their star.
Lisandro Martínez
February 2026
Michael Carrick said Lisandro Martinez picked up a minor issue in training and was left out at Everton; United still won 1-0 and stayed in strong form. Carrick said it “doesn’t seem too bad,” with sources suggesting a calf problem that could sideline Martinez up to two weeks. Yoro started alongside Maguire and United kept a rare away league clean sheet, with Sesko scoring late to secure the points.
Lisandro Martínez
February 2026
Lisandro Martinez was pulled from the squad with a calf injury, with a short layoff expected. United sources said the issue could keep him out up to two weeks, ruling him out of Everton and likely Crystal Palace, with Newcastle “touch and go.” Yoro stepped into the lineup.
Franco Mastantuono
February 2026
Franco Mastantuono has not played a minute in Real Madrid’s last three matches, triggering criticism and concern in Argentina ahead of key national-team dates. Despite arriving for €45m and strong expectations, he has fallen out of the rotation under both Alonso and Arbeloa, including being unused while Madrid chased a late equaliser vs Osasuna. Argentina staff are reportedly worried he will lose match rhythm ahead of March’s Finalissima vs Spain and the 2026 World Cup build-up.
Florian Wirtz
February 2026
Florian Wirtz was pulled from Liverpool’s starting XI during warm-ups due to a back issue, but Arne Slot said it does not look serious and hopes he returns next week. Wirtz felt his back “too much” to be close to full fitness, so Slot replaced him with Curtis Jones. Liverpool still won 1-0 through Mac Allister’s 96th-minute goal, and Slot stressed that in the Premier League you must be at 100 percent to play, even if you are elite on the ball.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
February 2026
Ruben Loftus-Cheek suffered a fracture of the alveolar bone after a collision with Parma goalkeeper Edoardo Corvi and is set for surgery, with a lengthy lay-off expected. Loftus-Cheek jumped for a header and was struck in the jaw by Corvi’s attempt to punch the ball. He was stretchered off, did not lose consciousness, but lost teeth and was diagnosed with an alveolar bone fracture that supports the tooth sockets, which could sideline him for months and damage his England World Cup hopes.
Estêvão Willian
February 2026
Chelsea confirmed Estêvão Willian will miss the Burnley match, with Liam Rosenior selecting an attack built around João Pedro, Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, and Enzo Fernández. Rosenior’s match squad excludes Estêvão, while Chelsea aim to win and push into the top four; the named XI includes a Caicedo–Andrey Santos midfield base and a back line featuring James, Fofana, Chalobah, and Gusto.
