Mallory Swanson, Sophia Wilson, Trinity Rodman, USWNT, Emma Hayes
27 May 2026

Mallory Swanson returned to the USWNT squad for games against Brazil, reuniting the Triple Espresso attack with Sophia Wilson and Trinity Rodman. It is their first squad together since the 2024 Olympic gold medal match.

Emma Hayes said the team cannot waste time rebuilding chemistry before the 2027 World Cup cycle intensifies. Swanson is back after giving birth in November, while Wilson recently returned from maternity leave and Rodman is fit again.

Kasper Schmeichel, Celtic, Denmark
27 May 2026

Kasper Schmeichel announced his retirement at 39 after failing to recover from a serious shoulder injury. The Celtic goalkeeper said surgeons advised him not to expect a return to top-flight football after months of setbacks.

Schmeichel first suffered the problem playing for Denmark against Portugal and aggravated it during Celtic’s Europa League defeat to Stuttgart. He ends his career with 120 caps, two Celtic seasons and major trophies with Leicester City.

Tottenham Hotspur, Dan Lewindon, Roberto De Zerbi
26 May 2026

Tottenham have launched an internal review into the injury problems that disrupted their season, with special focus on several anterior cruciate ligament cases. The club avoided relegation, but player availability fell well below their preferred benchmark.

Performance director Dan Lewindon is leading the audit, which will examine training, pitches, rehab planning and medical support. Spurs want more individual recovery plans and closer coordination between Roberto De Zerbi, medical staff and players.

Ann-Katrin Berger, Germany, Christian Wück
26 May 2026

Ann-Katrin Berger was included in Germany’s squad for decisive World Cup qualifying matches despite an abdominal injury scare with Gotham FC. Christian Wück said early checks showed no structural damage and expects her to be available.

Germany face Norway and Slovenia with direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup still at stake. Giulia Gwinn, Nicole Anyomi and Janina Minge are unavailable, but Klara Bühl and several returnees strengthen the squad.

Ben Davies, Connor Roberts, Wales, Craig Bellamy
26 May 2026

Ben Davies and Connor Roberts returned to the Wales squad for friendlies against Ghana and Romania after long injury absences. Chris Mepham is also back, while Jordan James, Rubin Colwill, Liam Cullen and Mark Harris miss out.

Davies has not played since January after ankle surgery, while Roberts missed the entire club season with groin and Achilles problems. Wales will use the games to prepare for Nations League fixtures against Portugal, Norway and Denmark.

Alphonso Davies, Canada, Jesse Marsch, Bayern Munich
25 May 2026

Alphonso Davies is expected to miss Canada’s opening World Cup match against Bosnia-Herzegovina because of a hamstring injury. Jesse Marsch still believes the Bayern Munich full-back will play a part later in the tournament after joining camp.

Davies was hurt during Bayern’s Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain and has endured an injury-hit season. Canada invited him to camp, but Marsch said he is unlikely to be ready for the 12 June opener.

Antony, Real Betis, Brazil, Manchester United
21 May 2026

Antony ruled out surgery on a chronic groin injury after being left out of Brazil’s World Cup squad. The Real Betis winger said he feels good and will continue conservative treatment instead of facing a long layoff.

Real Betis dismissed claims that Antony would need three to four months of rehabilitation. His omission from Brazil’s squad gives him time to manage the osteitis pubis issue after a productive season in Spain and avoid rushing treatment.

Djed Spence, Tottenham, Liam Delap
19 May 2026

Djed Spence is expected to play in a protective mask after suffering a broken jaw during Tottenham’s Premier League defeat to Chelsea. The injury came from an elbow by Liam Delap in a physical flashpoint.

Spence shared footage of the incident online but is determined to remain available for Tottenham’s final game against Everton. His availability matters because Roberto De Zerbi’s side are dealing with several injuries during a tense relegation battle.

Neymar, Brazil, Santos, Carlo Ancelotti
21 May 2026

Neymar is unlikely to feature in Brazil’s final World Cup warm-up matches as concerns grow over a calf problem. The Santos forward will be assessed when the squad gathers at Granja Comary on 27 May.

Santos described the issue as mild, but Brazil’s internal information suggests the injury may require more caution. Carlo Ancelotti plans to apply the same medical standards to Neymar as every other player before deciding his role.

Mikel Merino, Arsenal, Mikel Arteta
21 May 2026

Mikel Merino returned to light Arsenal training after three months out with a fractured foot, giving Mikel Arteta a timely option before the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain and the final league match against Crystal Palace.

Merino worked away from the main group before a planned return to full contact training. Arteta said the process was being carefully managed, with Arsenal hoping the midfielder can handle the intensity of the European final.