Collins a doubt for Republic of Ireland with calf injury

What the report says

Republic of Ireland captain Nathan Collins is a doubt for the start of the nation’s Nations League campaign after suffering a calf injury, BBC Sport reports. The Brentford defender was taken off during last weekend’s 1-1 Premier League draw with Sunderland, and his club have now indicated he will be sidelined for at least the period before the international break.

Brentford head coach Keith Andrews said Collins will not be available in the short term, describing the problem as a calf issue that emerged during the match. Andrews also suggested the centre-back tried to play on despite feeling discomfort, reflecting his role as a senior figure and team leader. Collins has 40 senior caps for Ireland.

The timing is awkward for Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side, who are due to begin Group B3 away to Kosovo on 24 September before facing Israel three days later. Ireland then host Austria in Dublin on 1 October and meet Israel again on 4 October at a neutral venue. Collins’ availability for those fixtures is now uncertain, which could affect Ireland’s defensive plans at the start of the campaign. The report does not indicate how long the injury will keep him out beyond the immediate international break.