Mohamed Salah limped off Liverpool’s 3-1 win and faces about four weeks of treatment. That leaves his World Cup status uncertain less than two months before the tournament begins June 11 across Canada, Mexico and the United States. Barcelona says 18-year-old Lamine Yamal’s domestic season is over with a left biceps femoris hamstring injury; both federations nonetheless expect the players to be available for the tournament.

Injuries at the end of club season

Mohamed Salah limped off during Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace after pulling up and grabbing his hamstring. Liverpool manager Arne Slot declined to confirm whether the forward would miss the remainder of the club season, but Egyptian football official Ibrahim Hassan said the injury is a hamstring tear that will require about four weeks of treatment.

Salah turned 33 this season and has been a central figure for Egypt since helping them qualify for the World Cup. Hassan said the federation expects Salah to be fit for Egypt’s opening match in Group G against Belgium on June 15. Egypt also face New Zealand on June 21 and Iran on June 26.

Barcelona announced that Lamine Yamal, the 18-year-old winger who emerged as one of Spain’s most exciting young players, has a hamstring injury in his left biceps femoris muscle. The club said his domestic season is finished. Team officials nonetheless indicated Spain plans for Yamal to be available for the World Cup squad.

Who else is affected

Reports flagged a broader list of late-season injuries affecting title contenders and other national teams. With domestic leagues wrapping or finishing, recovery timetables are compressed and national teams are watching players’ return-to-play plans closely.

Immediate sporting consequences

  • Squad selection and tactics: Coaches must weigh match fitness versus experience when finalizing rosters and set-piece roles.
  • Preparation time lost: Players who miss the end of club seasons lose competitive minutes and have less time to regain full match sharpness before arriving at national team camps.
  • Load management: Younger players like Yamal have fewer seasons of load management history, which can complicate return-to-play decisions.

Commercial and operational effects in North America

The three-host model means games will be played across Canada, Mexico and the United States. Major stars drive ticket demand, corporate hospitality sales and broadcast audiences. When high-profile names are doubtful or absent, some matchups may lose commercial pull, affecting stadium operations, local hospitality partners and sponsor plans tied to expected attendance.

Broadcasting and rights holders

Broadcasters pay large rights fees for global football tournaments because prime players and compelling matchups attract viewers; late injuries can therefore alter expected audience sizes and advertising plans for key fixtures.

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Ibrahim Hassan said Salah will require about four weeks of treatment and is likely to be fit for Egypt’s opening match against Belgium on June 15; Spain says it expects Yamal to be available for the tournament.

This article was created with AI assistance.