Injuries Sideline Key Players Ahead of October 2025 World Cup Qualifiers
As the international break in October 2025 draws near, numerous prominent footballers have been confirmed or are expected to miss their national teams’ crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying matches due to injury concerns. These absences are set to challenge coaches’ squad management and tactical approaches during pivotal fixtures across various continents.
Players Officially Ruled Out for October 2025 Qualifiers
- Lamine Yamal (Spain / FC Barcelona)
The young winger is currently sidelined with a persistent groin injury, which Barcelona medical staff estimate will keep him out for two to three weeks. Consequently, he will be unavailable for Spain’s upcoming qualifying games. - Martin Ødegaard (Norway / Arsenal)
Norway’s captain has been forced to withdraw from the squad after sustaining a medial collateral ligament injury in his left knee, ruling him out of Norway’s next qualifying fixtures. - Inaki Williams (Ghana / Athletic Bilbao)
Ghana’s squad will miss the services of Inaki Williams during the October qualifiers due to a recent muscle overload injury in his leg. - João Neves (Portugal / Paris Saint-Germain)
Portugal will be without the promising midfielder João Neves, sidelined by a left-thigh injury, creating a significant void in the midfield for coach Roberto Martinez’s lineup. - Edgar Sevikyan (Armenia / Akron)
The Armenian winger has departed the national team camp early because of an injury, ruling him out of the upcoming matches against Hungary and Ireland.
Additional players confirmed to miss the qualifiers include:
- Rodri – Spain / Manchester City
- Reece James – England / Chelsea
- Cole Palmer – England / Chelsea
- Emiliano Martínez – Argentina / Aston Villa
- Bright Osayi-Samuel – Nigeria / Birmingham
- Mexx Meerdink – Netherlands / AZ Alkmaar
- Ousmane Dembélé – France / Paris Saint-Germain
- Joy-Lance Mickels – Germany / Borussia Dortmund II
- Alisson Becker – Brazil / Liverpool
- Relebohile Mofokeng – South Africa / Orlando Pirates
- Bradley Barcola – France / Paris Saint-Germain
- Cyriel Dessers – Nigeria / Panathinaikos
The unavailability of these influential players will compel national team managers to swiftly recalibrate their strategies, either by promoting less experienced squad members or modifying formations to offset the loss of key contributors. For some nations, especially those with limited squad depth, these injuries could significantly influence their qualification campaigns.
While some athletes may recover in time for subsequent international breaks, the October qualifiers will undoubtedly test the resilience and adaptability of teams across Europe, Africa, and other regions as they contend with the unpredictable impact of injuries during this critical phase.
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