Nathan Collins Injury Doubt for Ireland’s Nations League Opener

Nathan Collins faces 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 during last weekend’s Premier League game, and Brentford manager Keith Andrews has now confirmed the centre-back 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 pre-match press conference before Brentford’s clash with Bournemouth.

Collins, who has 40 caps for his country, tried to battle 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.

Ireland open their Nations League Group B3 campaign away to Kosovo on Thursday, 24 September, before facing Israel three days later.

Whether their captain is there to lead them out is now very much in doubt.