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, a cornerstone for both club and country, limped out of last weekend’s Premier League game and will now spend a spell on the sidelines, just as the international window looms into view.
Brentford manager Keith Andrews drew a firm line under any short‑term optimism at his pre‑match press conference ahead of the Bees’ clash with 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 the defender, capped 40 times by Ireland, will not feature again before his country report for duty.
Collins had tried to grit his teeth and continue.
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, 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. Those fixtures were already shaping up as a sharp early test of Hallgrimsson’s tenure. Losing his captain, even temporarily, would strip experience and authority from the heart of his defence just when he needs it most.
If Collins does not make it, Ireland’s Nations League journey will begin with a hole right where they can least afford one.
