Frenkie de Jong and Barcelona
Sunday

Barcelona are increasingly frustrated with Frenkie de Jong as the midfielder continues rejecting surgery recommended for his persistent injury. The Netherlands international has shown limited improvement and could reportedly remain unavailable for four to six months under conservative treatment.

Barcelona’s medical staff believe an operation offers the clearest route to resolving the problem, while De Jong prefers a non-invasive approach. The disagreement complicates Hansi Flick’s midfield planning as the club simultaneously pursues Manchester City midfielder Rodri.

Roger Fernandes and Al-Ittihad
Sunday

Al-Ittihad have confirmed winger Roger Fernandes suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during training. Medical examinations established the serious injury shortly before the new season, leaving one of the club’s major recent signings facing a lengthy absence.

The club is arranging surgery before Fernandes begins a structured rehabilitation programme. The injury is expected to keep the former Braga winger out for most of the season, forcing Al-Ittihad to adjust attacking plans after investing more than €30m in him.

Anthony Elanga, Newcastle United and Jose Gaya
Saturday

Newcastle winger Anthony Elanga was stretchered off after a dangerous challenge from Valencia captain Jose Gaya triggered a mass confrontation during their preseason friendly. Initial fears of a fracture or serious ligament injury were later eased after medical assessment.

Elanga is believed to have suffered a significant shin contusion and was able to walk after receiving treatment. Gaya was immediately sent off for the tackle, while Newcastle will continue monitoring Elanga before determining when he can return to training.

Yankuba Minteh and Brighton
Saturday

Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh was helped off during the club’s 3-0 preseason win over Roma after suffering a right-leg injury in a challenge with Bryan Cristante. Fabian Hurzeler said the club must wait for a scan before determining the severity.

The timing is concerning because Brighton already expect Kaoru Mitoma, Carlos Baleba and Evan Ferguson to miss the opening weeks. Minteh had been positioned for an important attacking role, making any significant absence another blow before the Premier League starts.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr
Saturday

Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly set to miss Al-Nassr’s opening two matches of the new season against Al-Fateh and Al-Diriyah. The Saudi report says his absence continues while he holds his wedding celebration with Georgina Rodriguez.

Ronaldo has not played for Al-Nassr since Portugal left the World Cup and has missed the club’s preseason camps and subsequent Riyadh sessions. His absence now extends into competitive fixtures as Al-Nassr begin their league and domestic cup campaigns.

Jonathan Klinsmann and Cesena
Friday

United States goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann has revealed that an April collision fractured his first cervical vertebra and seriously damaged neck ligaments, leaving him close to paralysis. The injury ended his season and destroyed his hopes of making the World Cup squad.

Klinsmann completed the match before doctors discovered the severity of the damage, then underwent complex neck surgery in Germany. Three months later he can walk but remains unsure when he will return to football, describing how narrowly he avoided permanent injury.

Mykhailo Mudryk and Chelsea
Wednesday

Mykhailo Mudryk made his first Chelsea appearance following a 20-month doping suspension, entering late in a 1-0 preseason defeat by Juventus. The Ukraine winger had not played since November 2024 and received an emotional welcome from the club.

Manager Xabi Alonso introduced Mudryk in the 82nd minute after informing him before the match that a short appearance was planned. The outing marks his first practical step back after completing the suspension and returning to full-team training.

Martin O’Neill and Celtic
Wednesday

Celtic confirmed that manager Martin O’Neill remains in hospital after undergoing what the club described as a small procedure. No details were provided about the operation, but the 74-year-old is expected to be discharged within the next two days.

O’Neill managed Celtic’s opening league victory over Dundee before entering hospital. The club requested privacy for him and his family, while the short projected recovery period suggests the procedure is not expected to cause a lengthy absence.

Kennet Eichhorn and Bayer Leverkusen
Wednesday

Bayer Leverkusen teenager Kennet Eichhorn could miss several months after doctors diagnosed a metabolic illness following severe weight loss. The 17-year-old is receiving inpatient treatment, and the club currently has no timetable for his return to football.

Leverkusen have removed Eichhorn from their first-half squad planning and adjusted their transfer strategy accordingly. Instead of selling two central midfielders, the club may now release only one among Equi Fernandez, Aleix Garcia and Robert Andrich.

Joe Gomez, Liverpool and Andoni Iraola
Thursday

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola confirmed Joe Gomez suffered a muscle injury and will miss the start of the Premier League season. The centre-back is expected to remain sidelined for around one month, depending on how his recovery progresses.

Gomez was injured early in Liverpool’s pre-season win over Sunderland and remains with the touring squad. His absence leaves Virgil van Dijk as the only fit senior centre-back while younger defenders and new signing Jeremy Jacquet receive opportunities.