Across Europe, the first international window of the season is already leaving its mark on club squads. With only two Nations League rounds played, leading players have returned to medical rooms from Lisbon to Liverpool, Munich to Sunderland.
Quick facts
- Germany’s 1-1 draw with the Netherlands brought injuries to Kai Havertz, Brian Brobbey and Jamal Musiala.
- Liverpool are monitoring Alexander Isak’s thigh problem and Cody Gakpo’s muscle complaint.
- Bruno Fernandes missed Portugal’s match against Norway as a precaution over a potentially serious muscle injury.
- Kylian Mbappé sustained a hyperextension of his left knee against Turkey but is expected back after the break.
- Jamal Musiala has a confirmed tear and could be out for three to four weeks.
Amsterdam provided the most damaging evening. The Netherlands and Germany drew 1-1 on Thursday in the first match with Xavi Hernandez and Jürgen Klopp in their respective dugouts, but both camps paid a price.
Kai Havertz suffered a strain during the match and could miss up to a month, a concerning development for Arsenal. Dutch forward Brian Brobbey also went off with what may be a tear, while Bayern Munich’s Musiala was injured in training with Germany.
Musiala’s problem has been confirmed as a tear, with a projected absence of between three and four weeks. Bayern now face an early-season wait for one of their central attacking figures.
Liverpool have two fresh issues to assess. Sweden striker Alexander Isak has reported a thigh complaint, while Gakpo picked up a muscle injury playing for the Netherlands against Serbia on Sunday and is awaiting further examinations.
Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes was unavailable for Portugal against Norway on the same day. Portugal opted not to risk him because of fears that a muscle concern could develop into a more serious injury.
United teammate Patrick Dorgu was also hurt while representing Denmark against Wales, suffering a hamstring complaint. Sunderland, meanwhile, have been dealt setbacks involving more than one international.
Dan Ballard was injured for Northern Ireland against Georgia on Friday. Sunderland are also watching Havertz’s situation closely after the German international’s knock, while the club’s wider international concerns have added to an uneasy start to the window.
France’s meeting with Turkey brought another scare for Real Madrid. Mbappé hyperextended his left knee, although the initial expectation is that he will be fit again once the international break has ended.
Belgium have released Leandro Trossard from their camp after the Besiktas player felt a muscular problem. The former Arsenal forward will undergo tests to establish the extent of the issue.
