Here are the players who picked up an injury representing their countries at the 2026 World Cup qualifiers played in September 2025.
The September 2025 international break for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers was not without setbacks, as several key players suffered injuries while representing their national teams. These absences could impact the club as the football activities both in Europe and in domestic league are expected to come in thick and fast for the rest of September 2025.
aris Saint-Germain confirmed two injuries during the break, with Desiré Doué sustaining a calf problem that will keep him out for around four weeks, while Ousmane Dembélé faces a longer absence of about six weeks due to a thigh injury.
Spain’s Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao suffered an adductor issue, with a three-week recovery timeline anticipated. Germany forward Niclas Füllkrug, currently with West Ham, pulled out ahead of fixtures with mild muscular complaints. The Netherlands also have concerns after Frenkie de Jong of Barcelona picked up a right leg injury, which is expected to rule him out for about one week.
Several Premier League players returned with problems. Matty Cash of Aston Villa is recovering from a thigh injury that should keep him out for a week, while Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot experienced muscle discomfort and is expected to miss only a few days. Manchester City striker Omar Marmoush sustained a knee ligament bruise, with his return dependent on further scans.
Here is the full injury list from September’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers:
- Desiré Doué (PSG) – Calf injury
- Frenkie de Jong (FC Barcelona) – Right leg injury
- Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao) – Adductor problem
- Matty Cash (Aston Villa) – Thigh injury
- Diogo Dalot (Manchester United) – Muscle problems
- Ousmane Dembélé (PSG) – Thigh injury
- Moussa Niakhaté (Olympique Lyon) – Knee injury
- Dario Essugo (Chelsea) – Thigh surgery
- Omar Marmoush (Manchester City) – Knee ligament bruise
- Niclas Füllkrug (West Ham) – Mild muscular complaints
- Francisco Conceição (Juventus) – Muscle problems
