The October international break will open the window for footballing action across continents once again. It will be a rollercoaster as national football teams lock horns in various competitions.
From international friendlies to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the UEFA Nations League in Europe, AFCON qualifiers in Africa, and more, there is a lot to engage football fans.
Sadly, some national teams will miss their top players in the break due to injuries. From Dani Carvajal to Vinicius Jr, Rodri, and others, the list of big names set to miss action in the break is endless.
In this article, we will take you through the top 10 footballers who have been ruled out of action for their national teams in the October international break.
Vinicius Jr
Real Madrid sensation Vinicius Jr will not be in action for Brazil in the October international break. The 24-year-old came off injured after scoring in Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Villarreal on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
He reportedly picked up a shoulder injury and was ruled out of the Selecao’s double-header 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Peru. However, he is expected back to the squad after the break.
Dani Carvajal
Dani Carvajal, who recently won the 2024 Euros with Spain’s national team, will not be in action for La Roja in the October international break.
Carvajal was part of Real Madrid’s double injury blow in the La Liga win over Villarreal. He picked up an ACL injury during the match and will miss the entirety of the 2024-25 season.
Eder Militao ruled of Brazil squad for October international break
Another Real Madrid star Eder Militao will not be in action for his national team – Brazil – in the October international break due to injury. Brazil Football Federation confirmed he has been ruled out of the country’s October 2026 World Cup qualifiers fixtures due to a thigh injury.
Militao featured in Real Madrid’s La Liga match against Villarreal, coming on as a late substitute. He was confirmed injured a day after the match following medical examination.
Martin Odegaard
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is another top footballer who will be missed in the October international break. Odegaard had been sidelined for weeks after he picked up an injury while in action for Norway in the September international break.
The midfield sensation was left on crutches after a rash challenge by Christoph Baumgartner during Norway’s 2-1 win over Austria.
He has been ruled out of the team’s UEFA Nations League double-header against Norway on October 10, 2024, and Austria on October 13, 2024.
Rodri out of Spain squad
Spain will miss the services of Rodri in their UEFA Nations double-header against Denmark on October 12 and Serbia on October 15.
The defensive midfielder picked a up hamstring issue during Manchester City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the Premier League on September 22, 2024. He has been ruled out of the 2024-25 season.
Victor Osimhen
Reigning CAF Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen will not be in action for the Nigeria Super Eagles. Osimhen, who broke his goal duck, scoring a brace for Galatasaray against Kasimpasa, picked up an injury in the match.
He was optimistic about his imminent return but will be sidelined for weeks following medical tests. He was dropped from the Super Eagles squad for the AFCON Qualifiers double-header against Libya on October 11 and October 15, 2024.
Alisson Becker
Alisson Becker is another injury casualty ahead of the October international break. The Liverpool No 1 goalkeeper hobbled off the club’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
He will miss action for the club and the national team throughout 2024. It is the second time Becker has been injured with a few matches into the 2024-25 season.
Kobbie Mainoo to miss October international break
Fast-rising Man United and England youngster Kobbie Mainoo will miss England’s UEFA Nations League fixtures against Greece on Thursday, October 10, 20,24 and Finland on Sunday, October 13, 2024. The 18-year-old hobbled off Manchester United’s 0-0 draw with Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday, October 6, 2024.
While more updates are awaited on his injury, he has reportedly withdrawn from England squad for the two matches and is expected to be assessed by United’s medical team.
Alejandro Garnacho
Alejandro Garnacho confirmed his withdrawal from Argentina squad for October international break on social media.
He was also an injury casualty in United’s Premier League match against Aston Villa, picking up a knee injury. He is expected to return to fitness soon with the club but will miss Argentina’s double-header 2026 World Cup qualifiers match against Venezuela on October 10 and Bolivia on October 16, 2024.
Noussair Mazraoui
Noussair Mazraoui is another Manchester United player who will miss action with his national team in the October international break due to injury. The 26-year-old, who has won 29 caps with Morocco national team will miss the team’s back-to-back AFCON Qualifiers against Central African Republic on October 12 and October 15, 2024.
He was subbed off at halftime during Man United’s 0-0 draw with Aston Villa. While details of his injury has yet to be disclosed, he has reportedly announced his withdrawal from Morocco squad for the October international break.
