Nathan Collins Doubt 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 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 international break.

Brentford manager Keith Andrews confirmed the setback ahead of his side’s game against Bournemouth, drawing a firm line under any hope of a quick return.

“No, he won't be involved this side of the international break. Unfortunately, he's picked up a calf injury,” Andrews said, addressing Collins’ situation.

Collins, already on 40 caps for Ireland and a key figure in the dressing room, had tried to grit his way through the problem.

“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,” Andrews added.

For Heimir Hallgrimsson and Ireland, the timing is grim. The Nations League campaign in Group B3 begins away to Kosovo on Thursday, 24 September, with Israel to follow three days later.

Ireland now face the prospect of starting that campaign without their captain and defensive linchpin, just as the competitive stakes begin to climb.