Takefusa Kubo, Japan and Brazil.
Before Japan’s round-of-32 World Cup match against Brazil.

Japan will be without Takefusa Kubo for their knockout tie against Brazil, with the Real Sociedad playmaker still training separately. Kubo has not played since Japan’s opening draw with the Netherlands and remains on an individual programme.

Coach Hajime Moriyasu confirmed Kubo is unavailable but said Japan still believe they can change history. The absence removes their most natural creative unlocker against Brazil, who enter the tie with Neymar fit for a larger role.

Jarell Quansah, Thomas Tuchel and England.
After England’s 2-0 World Cup win over Panama.

England’s right-back problems deepened after Jarell Quansah limped off against Panama with an ankle twist. He joins Reece James and Tino Livramento as injury concerns, leaving Tuchel short of natural options before facing DR Congo.

Tuchel said Quansah was in pain but walking later, with his recovery expected to be a matter of days. England may need Djed Spence or another makeshift option if Quansah and James are not ready.

Mohamed Salah, Egypt and Australia.
After Egypt’s 1-1 World Cup draw with Iran.

Mohamed Salah is a doubt for Egypt’s last-32 World Cup tie against Australia after suffering a hamstring strain. Egypt’s team doctor said Salah complained of pain before scans confirmed the issue, though no return timeline was given.

Salah has started treatment and coach Hossam Hassan said the injury does not appear serious. The concern is still significant because Salah has one goal and two assists so far and Egypt now face Australia in Dallas.

Alphonso Davies, Jesse Marsch and Canada.
Before Canada’s round-of-32 World Cup match against South Africa.

Alphonso Davies is available to play for Canada against South Africa after missing the group stage through injury management. Jesse Marsch said the Bayern Munich star is more than ready and called his return a major boost.

Marsch previously admitted Davies had been used as a decoy during group play, forcing opponents to prepare for him despite limited readiness. Canada now face their first men’s World Cup knockout match with their captain back in contention.

Manuel Ugarte, Uruguay and Manchester United.
During Uruguay’s World Cup defeat by Spain.

Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte suffered a suspected serious knee injury after colliding with Uruguay team-mate Mathias Olivera. He was stretchered off before half-time, compounding Uruguay’s painful elimination from the World Cup.

United reportedly fear a long lay-off and are waiting for direct medical updates from the player’s camp. The injury could also disrupt their transfer plans, with Ugarte previously viewed as a sellable asset for midfield rebuilding.

Spain, Nico Williams, Yeremy Pino and Luis de la Fuente.
After Spain’s 1-0 World Cup win over Uruguay.

Spain’s qualification as Group H winners came with fresh injury concerns after Nico Williams suffered a muscular problem and Yeremy Pino sustained a suspected collarbone injury. De la Fuente said Pino could miss the rest of the tournament.

Both players had come on as substitutes in a bruising second half against Uruguay. Pino left the stadium wearing a sling, while Williams’ issue adds concern after an injury-hit season and an already managed World Cup workload.

Elliot Anderson, Reece James and England.
Before England’s final Group L match against Panama.

Elliot Anderson is a doubt for England’s Panama match with a glute issue, while Reece James has been ruled out with a minor hamstring injury. James could also miss the round of 32 if England qualify.

Anderson’s issue comes as he prepares to complete a record move to Manchester City, while James’ absence leaves England short at full-back. Tuchel said James is on an accelerated rehabilitation programme and hopes remain alive.

Reece James, Declan Rice, England and manager Thomas Tuchel.
Before England’s final World Cup Group L match against Panama.

Reece James missed England training after suffering a hamstring issue in the goalless draw with Ghana, putting his Panama availability in doubt. Declan Rice also sat out the session with calf strapping, though his fitness is considered less concerning.

Tuchel must decide whether to risk either player, especially with Rice one booking away from a round-of-32 suspension. England still need to protect top spot in Group L, but rotation may be necessary before the knockout phase.

Neymar and Brazil.
Before Brazil’s World Cup match against Scotland.

Carlo Ancelotti says Neymar is fit enough to play the full 90 minutes against Scotland after missing Brazil’s first two World Cup matches. The 34-year-old has recovered from a calf problem and trained fully this week.

Brazil may use Neymar from the bench or as a starter as they chase top spot in Group C. His return gives Ancelotti another attacking option, especially with Raphinha sidelined by injury for now too.

Raphinha and Brazil.
After Brazil’s win over Haiti.

Raphinha says he will do everything possible to play again at the World Cup after suffering a hamstring injury against Haiti. The Brazil winger will miss Scotland and is unlikely to return before the round of 16.

ESPN Brasil reported a quarter-final comeback may be more realistic, with this his fourth hamstring problem in a year. Ancelotti can use Rayan, Gabriel Martinelli or Neymar while Raphinha recovers from the latest setback.