Nathan Collins Doubtful for Ireland’s Nations League Start

Republic of Ireland captain Nathan Collins faces a race against time to be fit for the start of the Nations League after suffering a calf injury in Brentford’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland.

The centre-back was forced off during last weekend’s Premier League game, and Brentford manager Keith Andrews has ruled him out until after the upcoming international window.

“No, he won't be involved this side of the international break. Unfortunately, he's picked up a calf injury,” Andrews said ahead of Brentford’s clash with Bournemouth, confirming a spell on the sidelines for the defender, who has 40 caps for his country.

Collins tried to grit his teeth and carry 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,” Andrews explained. “So, no, unfortunately he won't be involved.”

For Heimir Hallgrimsson and Ireland, the timing could hardly be worse.

Ireland open their Nations League Group B3 campaign away to Kosovo on Thursday, 24 September, before travelling to face Israel three days later. They then return to Dublin to host Austria at the Aviva Stadium on Thursday, 1 October, and round off the extended international window with a second meeting against Israel at a neutral venue on Sunday, 4 October.

A demanding four-game block, a new campaign, and now a question that will hang over the build-up: can Ireland start their Nations League without their captain at the heart of the defence?