Nathan Collins Injury Puts Ireland's Nations League Start in Doubt

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 on club duty with Brentford.

The centre-back limped out of Brentford’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland in the Premier League last weekend, and the early signs are not encouraging. Any hope that it was a minor knock disappeared when Bees manager Keith Andrews laid out the reality before their game against Bournemouth.

“No, he won't be involved this side of the international break. Unfortunately, he's picked up a calf injury,” Andrews said, confirming that Collins is set for a spell on the sidelines.

Collins, who has 40 international caps, tried to grit his way through the problem. He felt the calf during the game, Andrews explained, but pushed on in typical fashion for a player who wears the armband for both club and country.

“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.”

For Heimir Hallgrimsson and his staff, the timing could hardly be worse. Ireland open their Nations League Group B3 campaign away to Kosovo on Thursday, 24 September, before hosting Israel three days later.

Two games in four days, both with early-group tone-setting potential, and their defensive leader is now a major doubt.

Hallgrimsson must plan as if Collins will not be there. The question is whether Ireland can carry the same authority at the back without the man who usually sets the line and the tempo.