Nathan Collins Faces Doubt for Ireland's Nations League Start

Republic of Ireland captain Nathan Collins is facing a race against time to be fit for the start of the Nations League after suffering a calf injury with Brentford.

The centre-back was forced off during Brentford’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland in the Premier League last weekend, and the damage is serious enough to rule him out until after the upcoming international window.

Brentford manager Keith Andrews confirmed the setback ahead of the Bees’ clash with Bournemouth, delivering the news Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson did not want to hear.

“No, he won't be involved this side of the international break. Unfortunately, he's picked up a calf injury,” Andrews said, when asked about the 40-cap defender.

Collins had tried to grit his teeth and stay on.

“He probably felt it a little bit earlier in the game and tried to play through it, naturally, like he would, given the type of character he is and being one of our leaders and our captains.

“So, no, unfortunately he won't be involved.”

Upcoming Fixtures

For Ireland, the timing is grim. Hallgrimsson’s side open their Nations League Group B3 campaign away to Kosovo on Thursday, 24 September, before hosting Israel three days later.

With their captain now a serious doubt for both fixtures, Ireland’s campaign could start under a cloud, and Hallgrimsson may be forced into a defensive reshuffle just as the competitive action begins.