The Turkish national football team has been dealt a significant blow ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with two key players suffering injuries during recent training sessions. Kenan Yıldız was injured while training with his club, Juventus, while Kerem Aktürkoğlu sustained an injury during a national team session in Riva.

Kenan Yıldız's Club Injury

Kenan Yıldız, the young star who plays for Juventus, injured his calf during his club's training session on Monday. Reports indicate he will be sidelined for two to three weeks. Despite this setback, there is optimism within the Turkish camp that he may recover in time for the team's opening World Cup match against Australia, scheduled for June 14. His fitness will be closely monitored in the coming days.

Kerem Aktürkoğlu's National Team Setback

The second injury occurred during the national team's training at the Riva facility. Kerem Aktürkoğlu was involved in a collision during a small-sided game on half a pitch. After receiving immediate medical attention, he was unable to continue training. He was seen leaving the pitch with difficulty, his knee heavily bandaged. The medical team will conduct further assessments today to determine the severity of the injury and his availability for upcoming fixtures.

Celebrations Amidst Concerns

Amidst the injury concerns, the training session also featured a lighter moment. Barış Alper Yılmaz celebrated his 26th birthday during the camp. The team gathered to cut a cake brought in for him, and he shared a few words of thanks with his teammates, adding a festive touch to an otherwise tense preparation period.