The National jersey is a symbol of pride that every player hopes to don and hopes to represent their country in the biggest competitions. But for some of the world’s biggest talent, this moment has turned into a nightmare, with serious injuries keeping them sidelined with no return date ahead of the UEFA Euro 2024 on June 14th in Germany.
Injury scares from key players Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Bukayo Saka could have turned devastating for Southgate as he aims to bring England a trophy since 1996. The next few months will be a nail-biting experience for the national team managers as they hope to see their important players get past the grueling second half of the season safe and sound. However, here is the list of players who are in danger of missing participation due to serious injuries.
Tyrone Mings
An opening day misfortune saw Mings pick up a serious knee injury in a 5-1 defeat to Newcastle. A battle for the ball with Alexander Isak ended badly as Mings had an awkward fall in the first period of the game. The Aston Villa defender was stretchered off to a standing ovation.
Later, the news was confirmed that he has ruptured his ACL, which meant he could miss the rest of Villa’s campaign and certainly Euro 2024. Mings is keeping the fans up to date with regular posts on social media since his surgery while also thanking them for their support. The centre-back has always struggled to nab a spot in the national squad and has only managed to make three appearances under Southgate in Euro 2020.
Gavi
The teenage sensation’s appearance against Georgia in November turned out to be devastating news for Spain as his knee injury has knocked him out for the rest of the season for both club and country. Furthermore, Barcelona confirmed that Gavi has a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and has also undergone successful surgery since. The 19-year-old twisted in an attempt to control the ball in the first half while landing on the floor from a Luka Lochoshvil tackle. “Qualification was attained in a very bitter way,” said Spain boss Luis de la Fuente.
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Ivan Perisic
Croatia’s high-flying wingman’s season has also come to an end due to an ACL injury sustained that will keep him away from the pitch until the start of next season. A training injury in September at the Tottenham training ground has the player undergoing very complex damage to his knee. Having made only six appearances for Spurs and grabbed an assist as a substitute against Sheffield United for a tense 2-1 victory on September 16th in the Premier League. Perisic was part of the 2018 World Cup runners-up squad, also registering 129 caps to his name.
David Alaba
The Austrian was on the floor holding his left knee on December 17th in a 4-1 win over Villareal with the player set to go for surgery. Alaba’s approach to attain possession went south with the defender landing on the floor in pain, which was later confirmed as an ACL injury. With a doubtful return date, his nation would have a huge void to Ralf Rangnick as his side finished Group F as runners-up.
Thibaut Courtois
Another ACL injury joins the list as the Belgian goalkeeper met his unfortunate fate in the preseason of 2023/24. The entire domestic campaign has been ruled out for the 31-year-old’s career. Moreover, he is ahead on his rehabilitation which means he would be available in the next few months and could eye upcoming campaigns. A noteworthy talent of Belgium’s golden generation and one of the greatest goalkeepers in the world, his absence cannot be replaced.
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