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Injuries Shape England’s Nations League Squad

Lee Carsley recently selected his Nations League squad ahead of the Three Lions’ upcoming fixtures with Greece and Finland, but now injuries have had an impact on a few of his selections.

Ready to go again. 🦁🦁🦁
— England (@England) October 3, 2024

One notable inclusion is Dominic Solanke, who hasn’t appeared for England in nearly seven years. Cole Palmer is obviously included, given his scintillating form so far in the Premier League for Chelsea.

With injury concerns amongst a number of players in the squad, who will be representing England, and who will unfortunately have to sit out for these fixtures?

Harry Kane - Cleared to Play

After England’s captain was withdrawn early during Bayern Munich’s 3-3 draw with Frankfurt, concerns grew over Kane’s potential availability for the upcoming fixtures.

However, following scans at England’s training ground, it’s reported that Kane has no serious injury and will be fit to take part against Greece.

Official Harry Kane medical update:

The examination by the doctors of the English national team has shown that Harry Kane does not have a structural injury. The striker will therefore remain with the national team for the upcoming Nations League matches. pic.twitter.com/E7wIgLrrHg
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) October 7, 2024

The striker is training separately from the rest of the squad, and it’s clear injury concerns still remain despite a promising scan, and it’s likely it will come up to the day of the game before Carsley makes his final decision.

Morgan Gibbs-White - Unable to Play

After picking up a knock in Nottingham Forest’s draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, flags in a late fitness test have ruled Morgan Gibbs-White out of contention for the Nations League fixtures.

Although he’s set to remain with Forest over the international break, it’s expected he’ll return to action after the international break against Crystal Palace.

A regular fixture in Lee Carsley’s Young Lions squads, it’s no surprise that the interim boss called on Gibbs-White to represent the men's team.

However, he’ll have to wait for his chance to represent Carsley at senior level.

Positive news: Morgan Gibbs-White could be fit to face Crystal Palace.

Scans have shown he has not suffered a serious injury, as had been feared at Chelsea #NFFC https://t.co/PlUlSuaPKc Nottingham Forest hoping to have Morgan Gibbs-White available for Crystal Palace game
— Paul Taylor (@nottmtails) October 8, 2024

Ezri Konsa - Unable to Play

Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa is also unavailable for selection this week, after he picked up a knock against Manchester United.

Konsa played a key yet brief role in England’s Euro 2024 campaign, and will continue to be a useful figure for the Three Lions.

However, Villa boss Unai Emery has ruled Konsa unfit to play for England during this international break.

Unai Emery on Ezri Konsa's injury: "I don't know, hopefully it's not a lot. Hopefully he can rest in the international break. We can have some days off [in the international break] and can recover our energy and try to push in the next month."#AVFC | https://t.co/wPGermx32X
— John Townley (@johntownley11) October 6, 2024

Whilst the likes of Jarell Quansah could be called up from the u21 team, it’s likely Carsley will simply just rely on the depth available in his 25 man squad.

Kobbie Mainoo - Unable to Play

After suffering a hamstring issue in Manchester United’s loss against Tottenham, Mainoo was ruled out of the Red Devil’s Europa League clash with Porto.

The midfielder did return to action for United’s stalemate against Aston Villa, however didn’t see out the entirety of the game.

It’s now been announced that Mainoo will be withdrawing from the England squad due to injury, likely the one that kept him out of the clash against Porto.

🚨🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Kobbie Mainoo has withdrawn from the England squad due to injury.

Morgan Gibbs-White and Ezri Konsa will also miss the upcoming games. pic.twitter.com/2KlGrFyZOa
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 7, 2024

The injury will be a concern for United fans, with Mason Mount, Leny Yoro and Luke Shaw amongst others already ruled out of contention for Ten Hag.