Bukayo Saka was forced off injured vs Chelsea on Sunday (Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Prior to crucial matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland, injuries to Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Cole Palmer, Kyle Walker, Dominic Solanke, and Jack Grealish have rattled the England camp.
With a number of players expected to miss England’s Nations League campaign, Lee Carsley is dealing with serious injury issues.
Following injuries sustained in the London derby against Chelsea, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka of Arsenal both requested to be substituted. In the 71st minute of their 1-1 tie at Stamford Bridge, Rice was replaced by Mikel Merino, and nine minutes later, Saka hobbled out.
Mikel Arteta, the manager of the Gunners, stated: “It doesn’t look good because it’s obviously not good news for two players of that importance to tell you they can’t continue in the game.” Since they don’t come off else, I’m not sure if I should expect them to be suitable for England.
Cole Palmer, a forward for Chelsea, may also be sidelined because he was only recently deemed fit after being left hobbling at the conclusion of the match against Arsenal. Palmer was unexpectedly quiet and is doubtful for Thursday’s travel to Athens to play Greece and Sunday’s showdown against the Republic of Ireland at Wembley, despite making it to the finish of the contest against Arsenal.
Kyle Walker, a defender for Manchester City, may also be out due to a knee injury, and Dominic Solanke, a striker for Tottenham, was knocked out before the team arrived at St George’s Park on Monday.
Jack Grealish did not make the Manchester City squad and is therefore unlikely to be available, while Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold is also expected to miss the England matches. Following Alexander-Arnold’s withdrawal from Saturday night’s Liverpool victory over Aston Villa, Arne Slot hinted that he would not be playing for England.
“It is hard to say how serious it is, but if a player is substituted out in the first half, it is always serious,” he remarked. He asked for it on his own because he felt something, not because I didn’t like him.
First of all, that is not encouraging. Let’s wait and see, but it’s usually hard to tell you exactly what it is so soon after the game. Although it would surprise me, I hope he can play for the England national team this week.
Carsley and Pep Guardiola have already engaged in back and forth on Grealish. Despite missing the last three weeks due to injury, the Man City winger was still part of Carsley’s team.
Guardiola gave a direct response when asked if Grealish’s call-up indicated he was fit: “No.” The England manager should answer that question. I’m not involved. They are free to choose who they like. He’s not fit, though. [Carsley] made the choice. He didn’t train once in 17 days. He trained for 20 minutes on Thursday, his first training day. This is the truth.
Jack Grealish has been out with a groin injury ( Image: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
That is how things have always been. During this time, national teams always play, and I’m always happy to see players leave. when they are healthy and haven’t had any difficulties in the previous week, two weeks, three weeks, or four weeks. Playing with their national teams is something they adore. when they are healthy and haven’t had any difficulties in the past month. I believe they need to get better.
Carsley, the temporary manager of England, has already acknowledged that he has a few standby replacements and will probably have to make some call-ups on Monday.
