Nico O’Reilly Leaves England Camp After Training Injury
Nico O’Reilly has left the England camp after suffering a training-ground setback, ending his involvement in the current UEFA Nations League window and returning to Manchester City ahead of a demanding domestic schedule.
The Football Association confirmed that the versatile defender will not be available for England’s remaining fixtures. No player will be called up to replace him in the squad.
England are due to play Croatia in Rijeka on Saturday before hosting Czechia at Wembley on Tuesday. O’Reilly had been absent for the Three Lions’ recent win against Czechia, having already played a significant role earlier in the campaign.
O’Reilly’s England window ends early
The Manchester City academy product completed the full match in England’s opening Nations League fixture against Spain at Wembley. England lost that contest 3-2 after Spain recovered, with O’Reilly involved in the sequence that led to the visitors’ equaliser.
His international departure comes at an awkward time for both player and club. O’Reilly has made six appearances in all competitions for City this season and has registered one assist, after establishing himself in senior football under Pep Guardiola.
Manchester City lead the Premier League on 15 points and will visit Liverpool at Anfield on October 11. Liverpool are sixth with nine points, and City will want as much depth as possible available for a fixture likely to carry added intensity amid the ongoing Premier League investigation into the club’s financial affairs.
Hall set for larger role
O’Reilly’s withdrawal gives Lewis Hall a clearer opportunity to strengthen his place in the England side. The Newcastle United left-back impressed over 90 minutes in Prague and is expected to continue at left-back against Croatia.
England are second in Nations League League A Group 3 on three points, level with Croatia but ahead on goal difference. Spain have six points from their opening two matches, while Czechia are bottom without a point.
