“This is one of the toughest moments I’ve faced as a coach. He’s not just a player — he’s a key part of this team and our plans. Seeing him go down like this is heartbreaking for everyone involved.” — Michael Carrick was reportedly left in TEARS after a devastating injury to a key Manchester United star during the international break
The injury toll among top international players is mounting ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with both Raphinha and Phil Foden picking up problems during the recent international break.
Foden’s setback occurred during England’s friendly against Uruguay, when a heavy challenge from Ronald Araujo forced the Manchester City midfielder off the pitch. Despite a VAR review, no action was taken against Araujo. Foden was replaced by Cole Palmer, while England manager Thomas Tuchel made little effort to hide his irritation on the touchline.
The timing is particularly unfortunate for Foden. After a bright start to the season his form had tailed off, and the Uruguay fixture had been viewed as a chance to reassert himself — both at club level and in the international picture. Instead, he left the game early with another fitness concern to manage.
**Raphinha adds to Brazil’s worries**
Raphinha’s injury comes as an added headache for Brazil in their World Cup build-up. The Barcelona winger was taken off in the first half of a 2-1 defeat to France, and subsequent scans confirmed a hamstring injury to his right leg. He is expected to return to the Catalan club for treatment and faces a spell on the sidelines lasting into May.
Reports indicate the injury may be a recurrence of a hamstring problem he dealt with earlier in the season, which has understandably raised concerns about the duration of his recovery. His absence will be felt both by Barcelona in the run-in to the domestic season and by Brazil, for whom he has been a key creative figure in attack.
