Endrick Madrid Recall, Rodri Doubt & Pulisic Slump | World Cup Central — May 2

Forty-one days to kick-off. Tonight's bulletin: three big stories, zero filler.

Real Madrid are set to recall Endrick from his Lyon loan. 1 Fabrizio Romano reported on May first: the twenty-year-old wants to return and Madrid are assessing the move. Endrick is already in Brazil's World Cup squad — and a Bernabéu homecoming could not be better timed.

Pep Guardiola confirmed on May first that Rodri has yet to return to full training, 2 casting serious doubt over Spain's pivotal midfield anchor reaching the tournament in shape. Forty-one days and counting.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has revealed his plan: ease Lamine Yamal through the group stage as an impact substitute, 3 protecting his hamstring for the decisive knockout rounds. Yamal will miss the rest of Barcelona's season.

Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa announced he will retire from international football after this World Cup. 4 The forty-one-year-old chases a record-tying sixth World Cup appearance — truly his last dance on football's grandest stage.

Christian Pulisic has gone sixteen AC Milan games without a goal. 5 With forty-one days until the USA open their home World Cup, 6 the form slump is a serious concern. Pochettino needs his captain firing before June.

Forty-one days, forty-one qualifying goals. 7 FIFA's official account reminded the world: no player in history has scored more World Cup qualifying goals than Cristiano Ronaldo.

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