England’s preparations for their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures have been dealt a blow as three players withdraw from Lee Carsley’s squad due to injuries.
Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo, Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa, and Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White have all been forced to pull out following injuries sustained during weekend Premier League matches.
The trio’s absence reduces Carsley’s initial 25-man squad to 22 players for the matches against Greece at Wembley on Thursday and Finland in Helsinki on Sunday.
The Football Association confirmed the withdrawals in a statement released on Monday evening, just days before England’s first fixture.
Konsa was substituted early in Aston Villa’s draw with Manchester United due to an apparent hamstring issue.
Villa manager Unai Emery admitted uncertainty about the severity of the injury.
Lee Carsley has some injury troubles in his squad
Reuters
Mainoo also left the pitch during the same match at Villa Park, though without an obvious problem.
Gibbs-White, who made his England debut in September, was replaced in the 76th minute of Nottingham Forest’s draw with Chelsea.
Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo indicated a scan was necessary to assess the player’s condition.
These injuries have significantly impacted Carsley’s squad, leaving him with fewer options for the upcoming fixtures.
The Football Association released an official statement, saying: “Morgan Gibbs-White, Ezri Konsa and Kobbie Mainoo will miss England’s October internationals.
“The trio all sustained injuries for their respective clubs over the weekend and have been ruled out of the Three Lions’ UEFA Nations League fixtures against Greece and Finland.”
The statement also confirmed the upcoming match details:”England host Greece at Wembley on Thursday 10 October (7.45pm kick-off) before travelling to Helsinki to face Finland on Sunday 13 October (5pm kick-off).”
This announcement underscores the impact of the weekend’s Premier League matches on England’s international preparations.
The remaining 22 players have reported to St. George’s Park as scheduled.
Ezri Konsa has pulled out after an injury against Manchester United
Reuters
Despite the setbacks, the Football Association has stated that no further additions to the squad are planned at this time.
Captain Harry Kane, who had earlier faced an injury scare, has been declared fit for the upcoming matches.
The reduced squad size presents a challenge for Lee Carsley as he prepares the team for their UEFA Nations League commitments.
Morgan Gibbs-White was injured against Chelsea
PA
However, with 22 players still available, England maintain a strong group to face Greece and Finland in the coming days.