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 was forced off during last weekend’s Premier League game, and Brentford manager Keith Andrews has now confirmed the defender will miss club action up to the international break.

No, he won't be involved this side of the international break. Unfortunately, he's picked up a calf injury.

Andrews said at his press conference before Brentford’s meeting with Bournemouth.

Collins, who has 40 caps for Ireland, tried to play through the problem before eventually 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.

That timeline puts Collins in serious doubt for Heimir Hallgrimsson’s first competitive games in charge, as Ireland open their Nations League Group B3 campaign without their defensive linchpin fully assured of fitness.

Upcoming Matches

• Ireland begin away to Kosovo on Thursday, 24 September
• Travel to face Israel three days later
• Return to Dublin to host Austria at the Aviva Stadium on Thursday, 1 October
• Close the extended international window with a second meeting against Israel at a neutral venue on Sunday, 4 October

A new manager, a demanding schedule, and now a captain battling a calf injury. Hallgrimsson’s plans for that four-game block may already need a rethink.