Nathan Collins Faces Doubt for Ireland's Nations League Opener

Nathan Collins’ international window is in serious jeopardy.

The Republic of Ireland captain is facing a spell out after suffering a calf injury in Brentford’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland in the Premier League last weekend, raising real concern ahead of the start of the Nations League campaign.

The centre-back was forced off during that game, and Brentford manager Keith Andrews has now ruled him out until after the upcoming 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 clash with Bournemouth.

Collins, who has 40 caps and is one of the leaders in Heimir Hallgrimsson’s dressing room, tried to battle through the issue 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 added. “So, no, unfortunately he won't be involved.”

For Ireland, the timing could hardly be worse.

Hallgrimsson’s side open their Nations League Group B3 campaign away to Kosovo on Thursday, 24 September, before hosting Israel three days later.

Two games, three days, and now a serious question: who steps up at the heart of Ireland’s defence if their captain can’t make it?