Euro 2024 is on the horizon, promising a showcase of elite football talent. However, as with any major tournament, injuries and other issues have sidelined several key players, impacting the strategies and hopes of their respective national teams. This article delves into the notable absentees, their injuries, and how their absence might affect their teams. Additionally, we compile an ultimate XI of players who will miss Euro 2024, underscoring the significant talent lost to this year’s event.
Key Players Missing Euro 2024 Due to Injury
1. Serge Gnabry (Germany)
Germany’s Serge Gnabry is the latest star to be ruled out of Euro 2024 due to a hamstring injury. The Bayern Munich winger suffered this setback towards the end of the season, and his absence is a significant blow for the host nation. Gnabry’s pace and scoring ability will be sorely missed in Julian Nagelsmann’s tactical setup.
2. Wesley Fofana (France)
Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana was already on the fringe of Didier Deschamps’ squad due to the abundance of talent at center-back. However, an ACL injury sustained in the summer of 2023 has definitively ruled him out of contention. This injury adds to the defensive reshuffling that France might have to undertake.
3. Gavi (Spain)
Spain’s midfield dynamo, Gavi, is another high-profile absentee. The Barcelona star suffered an ACL injury in November 2023 during international duty. Expected to return only in late 2024, Gavi’s absence will deprive Spain of his energy and creativity in the midfield.
4. Thibaut Courtois (Belgium)
Belgium’s star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has been sidelined due to a bitter fallout with national team coach Domenico Tedesco. Despite recovering from an ACL injury, Courtois’ decision to step away from national duty leaves Belgium without their first-choice shot-stopper.
5. David Alaba (Austria)
Austria’s captain David Alaba tore his ACL in December 2023, marking the third such injury at Real Madrid this season. His absence is a significant setback for Austria, who will miss Alaba’s versatility and leadership on the field.
6. Ivan Perisic (Croatia)
Veteran Croatian winger Ivan Perisic will miss Euro 2024 due to an ACL injury sustained during training with Tottenham. Perisic’s experience and versatility will be a notable loss for Croatia as they navigate the tournament without one of their key players.
7. Luke Shaw (England)
England’s Luke Shaw is racing against time to recover from a knee injury. While there’s a slim chance he might make it to the squad, the Manchester United defender’s recurring issues cast doubt over his participation. Shaw’s defensive stability and attacking support are vital components for Gareth Southgate’s team.
8. Sandro Tonali (Italy)
Sandro Tonali will miss Euro 2024 due to a 10-month suspension for illegal betting. This suspension is a significant blow for Italy as Tonali was expected to be a key figure in their midfield. His absence forces Italy to rethink their central strategies.
Other Notable Injuries and Absentees
– Tyrone Mings (England): ACL injury
– Sven Botman (Netherlands): ACL injury
– Boubacar Kamara (France): ACL injury
– Quilindschy Hartman (Netherlands): Knee injury
– Lewis Ferguson (Scotland): ACL injury
– Destiny Udogie (Italy): Quadriceps injury
– Lucas Hernandez (France): ACL injury
– Nicolo Zaniolo (Italy): Foot microfracture
– Isco (Spain): Fibula fracture
– Marten de Roon (Netherlands): Hamstring injury
The Best XI of Players Missing Euro 2024
Despite their absence, these players form an impressive lineup that could compete with the best:
– Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois (Belgium, Real Madrid)
– Right-Back: Ben White (England, Arsenal)
– Centre-Back: Victor Lindelof (Sweden, Manchester United)
– Centre-Back: Sven Botman (Netherlands, Newcastle United)
– Left-Back: David Alaba (Austria, Real Madrid)
– Defensive Midfield: Paul Pogba (France, Juventus)
– Central Midfield: Sandro Tonali (Italy, Newcastle United)
– Central Midfield: Gavi (Spain, Barcelona)
– Attacking Midfield: Martin Odegaard (Norway, Arsenal)
– Striker: Alexander Isak (Sweden, Newcastle United)
– Striker: Erling Haaland (Norway, Manchester City)
Conclusion
Euro 2024 will undoubtedly feature some of the best football talent in the world, but the absence of these key players due to injury, suspension, or other reasons will have a significant impact. Their teams will have to adapt and find new strategies to compensate for these losses. As fans, we can only hope for their speedy recovery and return to the international stage, where their skills and passion are greatly missed.
By understanding the players missing from this year’s tournament, we gain insight into the challenges faced by national teams and the evolving dynamics of international football. Stay tuned as Euro 2024 unfolds, revealing new stars and unexpected heroes on Europe’s biggest stage.
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Explanation: player statistics (a/b c)
a - games played this season
b - goals scored
c - team position (d - defender, m - midfielder, f - forward, g - goalkeeper).
