With the World Cup weeks away, Turkey and Paraguay enter the tournament carrying fresh injury doubts over several starters — developments that could reshuffle Group D dynamics and complicate preparations for the USMNT ahead of matches on June 12, 19 and 25.
Turkey left nervy as Arda Güler and Hakan Çalhanoğlu miss the club run-in
Turkey’s most influential attackers face late-season setbacks, with Real Madrid’s Arda Güler and Inter Milan captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu set to miss the remainder of their European club campaigns due to a hamstring issue and a muscle strain respectively. Güler, 21, closed a breakthrough club season with six goals and 14 assists and a standout Champions League brace against Bayern Munich; his absence robs Turkey of rhythm going into the World Cup.
Çalhanoğlu’s intermittent muscle problems have already cost him significant Serie A time this season — he missed nine of Inter’s last 15 matches — and he looks unlikely to feature in the Coppa Italia final. The captain’s experience and set-piece influence are central to Turkey’s identity, and his limited club minutes raise questions about match sharpness should he travel to the tournament.
These setbacks matter for Turkey’s Group D clash with the USMNT on June 25. Both players were near-automatic starters in qualifying; limited training and minutes before the tournament could force manager Vincenzo Montella to tweak formations or seek alternatives in midfield and attacking midfield.
Paraguay juggling knocks to key midfielders and defenders
Paraguay’s pre-tournament preparations are also hit by injuries. Brighton midfielder Diego Gómez left a recent match clutching his left leg after an awkward landing; scans have eased immediate fears but the 23-year-old is expected to miss the remainder of the Premier League season while prioritizing World Cup fitness. That absence would remove a vital engine from Paraguay’s center.
Miguel Almirón — Paraguay’s No. 10 and emotional leader — has missed several MLS matches with “knee irritation” after picking up an issue in mid-April. Almirón is expected to rejoin first-team training soon, but minutes and form heading into Paraguay’s opener against the USMNT on June 12 remain a concern.
Defensive stability has been tested as well. Center back Omar Alderete left Sunderland’s recent fixtures early and struggled upon return in a heavy defeat, spotlighting durability questions for Paraguay’s backline. National team prospect Gustavo Caballero is also managing a groin problem. Collectively, these minor but meaningful injuries threaten Paraguay’s cohesion at the outset of Group D action.
Australia’s fortunes: mostly positive with a notable exception
Australia arrive in comparatively better shape. The Socceroos suffered the loss of Blackburn defender Lewis Miller to a torn achilles — he will miss the World Cup — but returned center back Harry Souttar has recovered from his own achilles injury and scored in his comeback for Leicester City. Norwich forward Mohamed Touré had a short winter scare but has rediscovered form with four goals in his last three matches. Australia’s relative health makes them a less compromised opponent when they meet the USMNT on June 19 in Seattle.
What this means for the USMNT and Group D picture
Injury uncertainty for Turkey and Paraguay reduces predictability in Group D and offers the USMNT a strategic opening. If Turkey lack match fitness in pivotal creators like Güler or Çalhanoğlu, they may be less fluid in transition and set-piece delivery — areas the US can target. Paraguay’s possible midfield absences elevate the importance of controlling tempo and exploiting gaps between their lines.
That said, international tournaments often produce late recoveries; managers will balance caution with urgency. The key for the USMNT is preparation for multiple scenarios: facing full-strength opponents, rotated lineups, or teams relying on different tactical solutions. Squad depth and adaptability will be decisive come kick-off.
Key dates and outstanding questions
June 12 — Paraguay vs USMNT (Tournament opener for both)
June 19 — USMNT vs Australia (Seattle)
June 25 — Turkey vs USMNT (Los Angeles)
Final fitness tests, training camp loads, and official squad announcements will clarify how these injuries alter Group D’s landscape.
For now, Turkey and Paraguay must manage recovery timelines carefully to arrive competitive — and the USMNT should be ready to capitalize if those recoveries fall short.
Theathleticuk
