Nathan Collins Faces 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 in Brentford’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland.

The centre-back, who has become a central figure for both club and country, was forced off during last weekend’s Premier League clash. What initially looked like a niggle has now been confirmed as something more serious.

Brentford manager Keith Andrews ruled Collins out until after the upcoming international window, a significant blow for Heimir Hallgrimsson as he finalises plans for the Group B3 campaign.

“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 game against Bournemouth.

Collins, capped 40 times by Ireland, tried to grit his way through the problem before finally coming off.

“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.

Ireland open their Nations League campaign away to Kosovo on Thursday, 24 September, before hosting Israel three days later.

With their captain now in serious doubt, Hallgrimsson may be forced into an early defensive reshuffle just as the competition begins to sharpen.