Injury List from September’s 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

The September 2025 international break for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers turned out to be costly for several clubs, as a number of important players sustained injuries while on duty with their national teams. With the domestic leagues in Europe resuming immediately after the break and a congested football calendar ahead, these injuries could pose serious challenges for managers who now have to reshuffle their squads.

Paris Saint-Germain were among the hardest hit, confirming two notable absentees. Young midfielder Desiré Doué suffered a calf injury that is expected to sideline him for about four weeks, while winger Ousmane Dembélé picked up a thigh problem that will likely keep him out of action for six weeks, depriving the French giants of crucial attacking options.

Elsewhere, Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao sustained an adductor strain while representing Spain, with medical reports suggesting he could be out for three weeks. Germany also had their share of concerns as Niclas Füllkrug, currently at West Ham United, withdrew from the squad with mild muscular discomfort, though his absence is not expected to be long-term. In the Netherlands camp, Frenkie de Jong of Barcelona picked up a knock to his right leg and is projected to miss around one week of action.

Premier League sides also saw their players return with knocks. Matty Cash of Aston Villa suffered a thigh issue that should keep him out for roughly a week, while Diogo Dalot of Manchester United experienced minor muscle problems, with the club hopeful of his return within a few days. Manchester City striker Omar Marmoush endured a knee ligament bruise, with the extent of the injury still under review pending further scans.

Other casualties from the qualifiers include Moussa Niakhaté of Olympique Lyon, who picked up a knee injury, Chelsea’s Dario Essugo, who underwent thigh surgery, and Juventus winger Francisco Conceição, who is managing muscle-related issues.

Full Injury List from the September 2025 World Cup Qualifiers:

• Desiré Doué (Paris Saint-Germain) – Calf injury (4 weeks)

• Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain) – Thigh injury (6 weeks)

• Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao) – Adductor problem (3 weeks)

• Frenkie de Jong (FC Barcelona) – Right leg injury (1 week)

• Niclas Füllkrug (West Ham United) – Mild muscular complaints

• Matty Cash (Aston Villa) – Thigh injury (1 week)

• Diogo Dalot (Manchester United) – Muscle discomfort (few days)

• Omar Marmoush (Manchester City) – Knee ligament bruise (return date uncertain)

• Moussa Niakhaté (Olympique Lyon) – Knee injury

• Dario Essugo (Chelsea) – Thigh surgery

• Francisco Conceição (Juventus) – Muscle problems