Being selected to represent your country at the Euros is an immense honor bestowed upon any professional football player.
However, for a few of the most prominent players from the continent, their aspirations of participating in Euro 2024 have transformed into a dreadful ordeal due to unfortunate injuries. This unfortunate turn of events has prevented their involvement in the highly anticipated tournament, set to commence in Germany on June 14.
As one of the top contenders, England is poised to embark on Euro 2024. Nevertheless, Gareth Southgate, the team’s manager, is anxiously awaiting a clean bill of health for his squad leading up to their initial group stage match.
The absence of key players like Harry Kane or Jude Bellingham, for instance, could potentially spell disaster for England’s aspirations of securing their first major championship since 1966.
Therefore, while national team managers anxiously await updates on the physical condition of their key players during the final weeks of this demanding season, Sport TeaTV examines the individuals who will be observing the matches from the comfort of their own homes, just like the rest of us.
1. Tyrone Mings
Mings sustained a ‘major’ knee injury in Aston Villa’s 5-1 loss to Newcastle on the opening day of the season. The incident took place in the first half as Mings landed awkwardly while contesting the ball with Newcastle’s Alexander Isak.
Mings, who received a standing ovation as he was stretchered off, suffered an ACL injury that has sidelined him for the entirety of Villa’s season. Since his surgery, Mings has been updating fans on his extensive rehabilitation process through social media and has expressed gratitude for their continuous support.
Reflecting on the challenging initial phase of his recovery, the 30-year-old shared on Instagram: ‘The cards, gifts, tweets, and all the support have been incredibly meaningful and have helped me navigate through the early stages.’
Mings further stated: ‘The first few weeks post-surgery were quite tumultuous. I had to make multiple visits to the hospital due to illness.’
‘I think one of the things that people don’t always take into consideration is the lack of independence being on crutches as someone who is used to being very active, having to rely on people is obviously a tough situation to be in.’.
The centre back featured three times for England at Euro 2020 but has struggled to hold down a regular spot in Southgate’s squad since.
2. Gavi
In November, the 19 years old prodigy from Spain sustained a knee injury while his team triumphed over Georgia. Barcelona has officially announced that Gavi endured a severe rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Fortunately, he has already undergone a successful surgical procedure.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente expressed deep sorrow over the injury suffered by the young player, labeling the qualification achieved with that victory as ‘the most painful of my career.’
De la Fuente further stated: ‘The atmosphere in the locker room is somber. It was an unfortunate incident, it could have happened to anyone.’
‘This is the most difficult situation I have faced in football. We often believe we are untouchable, but in reality, we are quite vulnerable.’.
3. Ivan Perisic
In addition to his vast experience, the Croatian player has unfortunately suffered from an ACL injury during this season.
Perisic encountered this injury during a training session in September, and Tottenham has officially announced that the winger has undergone surgery to address the intricate knee injury.
The 35-year-old player has participated in six matches for Spurs this season, with his last notable contribution being an assist during the team’s exciting 2-1 comeback win against Sheffield United on September 16.
In regards to Perisic’s absence, Ange Postecoglou expressed his disappointment, highlighting the player’s experience and consistent performance at top clubs worldwide. Postecoglou emphasized Perisic’s importance to the team, noting his significant impact in crucial moments of their games. Perisic, who boasts 129 caps for Croatia, notably helped his national team secure a runner-up position at the 2018 World Cup.
4. David Alaba
The Austrian, who continues to be the standout player for his national team, suffered a left knee injury during Real Madrid’s 4-1 win against Villarreal in December, which is likely to rule him out of the European Championships.
Alaba appeared to injure his knee while trying to take the ball in a challenge near the center circle, falling to the ground before being assisted off by the team’s medical team.
Ralf Rangnick’s team will suffer a significant setback due to his absence, as they secured their place in the tournament by finishing as runners-up in Group F. Since his debut in 2009, Alaba has earned 105 caps for Austria and has also represented his country in the Euros of 2016 and 2021.
5. Thibaut Courtois
Courtois, who suffered an ACL tear in his left knee just before the 2023/24 season, had been sidelined for most of the campaign. It was anticipated that he would make a comeback after the international break in March. However, to everyone’s surprise, the Belgian goalkeeper unfortunately tore the internal meniscus in his right knee during a training session that same month. He underwent surgery immediately and will now be out of action until the next season.
However, Courtois might not have had the opportunity to represent the Red Devils during the summer due to a significant disagreement with manager Domenico Tedesco. Tedesco alleged that the goalkeeper had skipped the Euro 2024 qualifier against Estonia because he was upset about not being appointed as the captain.
In response to Tedesco’s claims that he had made every effort to include Courtois in the Euros, the Real Madrid star expressed his disbelief by sharing three Pinocchio emojis on social media, essentially accusing Tedesco of lying. Courtois, who is considered one of the top players in Belgium’s ‘Golden Generation’, has earned 102 caps for his country and serves as one of the vice-captains for the national team.
6. Sven Botman
The Newcastle player suffered a knee injury during the team’s elimination from the FA Cup quarter-finals by Manchester City in March. Following a successful ACL surgery, Botman is projected to be sidelined for approximately 6-9 months, effectively putting an end to his aspirations of participating in Euro 2024 with the Netherlands.
Botman suffered a partial ligament tear earlier in the season but chose not to undergo surgery despite the club’s medical staff recommending it. In hindsight, this decision may have been incorrect.
Eddie Howe, the manager of Newcastle, explained the complexity of the situation surrounding Sven’s knee injury. Initially, there were conflicting opinions from specialists regarding the appropriate course of action.
Ultimately, the medical team advised him to have surgery, but Sven himself wanted to continue playing. While the club provides guidance and support to the players, the final decision rests with them as it is their bodies.
Despite being called up to the Netherlands national team on multiple occasions, Botman has never been capped. If he had remained injury-free, he would have likely been considered for the Euro 2024 squad.
7. Destiny Udogie
Udogie, the left back for the Spurs, will unfortunately be unable to play for the remainder of the season due to a muscular injury that required surgery. He sustained the injury to his left quadriceps during training and is expected to be out until the pre-season.
Italy will also have to cope without Udogie, who has had a successful first season at Tottenham. Prior to his season-ending ailment, he had only missed two matches due to injury and two matches due to suspension. Udogie made his debut for Italy in October of last year during a Euro 2024 qualifier against Malta, and subsequently earned his first start against England at Wembley three days later.
8. Lewis Ferguson
Ferguson’s chances of participating in Euro 2024 seem unlikely as Bologna has officially announced that the player suffered an ACL rupture. The talented Bologna player was substituted during the Serie A match against Monza a few weeks ago and has recently undergone knee surgery.
After receiving the unfortunate news today, Ferguson expressed his devastation on Instagram, acknowledging that such is the nature of life. However, he remains determined to bounce back even stronger than before, vowing to put in every effort to achieve this. He expressed his gratitude to everyone for their support and assured them that he will return soon. This season, Ferguson has been performing exceptionally well for Bologna, contributing six goals and four assists, which has greatly aided the team’s pursuit of a spot in the Champions League. Despite making 12 appearances for Scotland since his debut in 2021, Ferguson is yet to find the back of the net.
9. Domenico Berardi
Berardi sustained a severe Achilles tendon injury during Sassuolo’s match against Verona in March, just after returning from a meniscus injury that had sidelined him for two months. Following surgery, the 29-year-old will be out of action until next year. He has represented Italy 28 times, scoring eight goals, including two in the Euro 2024 qualifiers. Berardi was also a member of the Azzurri squad that claimed victory in Euro 2020 three years ago.
