Chelsea star to miss 2026 World Cup because of injury

Chelsea forward Estêvão will miss the 2026 World Cup, as he was omitted from the 55‑player preliminary list submitted by Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti on Monday; Neymar was named in the expanded squad, according to ESPN.

Estêvão’s chances of playing in the tournament became doubtful after he sustained a right‑thigh muscle injury in Chelsea’s 1‑0 Premier League loss to Manchester United on 18 April.

Sources said there was early optimism that the 19‑year‑old could recover in time for his first World Cup, but medical personnel from both Brazil and Chelsea were unable to guarantee a full recovery before the competition.

The player himself reportedly understood that his participation was unlikely. According to sources, Estêvão looked visibly dejected when he arrived at his former club Palmeiras for treatment last week.

Also Read: Estevao: Why Chelsea Caught My Attention

National teams must submit their 55‑man preliminary squad lists to FIFA by 11 May. Although these lists are not published, they form the exclusive pool from which the final 26‑man squads will be chosen.

Estevao

Neymar, 34, took a significant step toward a fourth World Cup appearance this summer by being included among the forwards on the 55‑man list, sources said. The Brazil all‑time top scorer with 79 goals had been omitted from every squad since Ancelotti assumed control of the Seleção in June.

Prior to his injury, Estêvão was considered a certainty for the squad, with Ancelotti publicly praising the Chelsea prospect. The teenager has scored eight goals in 36 appearances across all competitions since joining Chelsea from Palmeiras for £29 million ($38 m) last summer.

Estêvão joins Real Madrid teammates Éder Militão and Rodrygo as key players who were likely selections for Ancelotti but will now miss the World Cup because of serious injuries.

James Agberebi

James is a sport content creator and also does analysis on sports. Also, James has covered international matches involving both Nigeria’s men and women national teams. Facebook : James Agberebi