Nathan Collins Faces Injury Setback Ahead of Nations League Opener

Nathan Collins is facing a race against time to be fit for the Republic of Ireland’s Nations League opener after suffering a calf injury in Brentford’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland.

The Ireland captain was forced off in the Premier League clash last weekend, and Brentford manager Keith Andrews has now confirmed the centre-back will miss the coming weeks.

“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, drawing a firm line under any hope of a quick return.

Collins, who has 40 caps for his country, tried to push 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,” Andrews explained. “So, no, unfortunately he won't be involved.”

For Heimir Hallgrimsson and Ireland, the timing could hardly be worse. Their Nations League Group B3 campaign starts away to Kosovo on Thursday, 24 September, before a home clash with Israel three days later.

Two games in four days. A new campaign. And now, almost certainly, without their captain at the heart of the defence.