Real Madrid has announced that Rodrygo Goes, their Brazilian winger, will miss the upcoming World Cup because of a severe knee injury diagnosed as a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and a tear of the lateral meniscus in his right leg. The injury occurred during a La Liga match against Getafe where he appeared as a substitute, but despite staying on the pitch, further tests on Tuesday revealed the extent of the damage.

Rodrygo had recently returned to play after dealing with tendonitis for a month, making his injury a significant setback for both the player and his national team. Brazil, who is seeking to win a record sixth World Cup title under the guidance of coach Carlo Ancelotti, will have to find a replacement for Rodrygo as they prepare for the tournament, which will take place in the United States.

This injury not only impacts Brazil’s chances in the World Cup but also poses challenges for Real Madrid, as Rodrygo is a key player in their squad. His absence is particularly felt alongside the team's reliance on other star players, including Kylian Mbappé's performance in the tournament, highlighting the dynamics of team strategies amidst injuries of vital players.