Nico O’Reilly has left the England camp and returned to Manchester City after being ruled out of the national team’s next two Nations League matches.
The Manchester City left-back was unavailable for England’s 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic in Prague and has now returned to his club for further assessment.
O’Reilly’s withdrawal means he will play no part in England’s upcoming fixtures against Croatia and the Czech Republic as Thomas Tuchel’s side continues its Nations League campaign.
The 21-year-old was initially part of the England squad but was absent from the matchday squad for the win in Prague. Following further assessment, the decision has now been taken for him to return to Manchester City.
His departure leaves England without another option at left-back for the next two matches, although the Football Association is not expected to call up a replacement.
England’s immediate focus now shifts to Saturday’s meeting with Croatia in Rijeka. The Three Lions will then return to Wembley on Tuesday, where they will face the Czech Republic again.
The decision not to bring in another player means Tuchel will work with his existing squad for the remainder of the international window.
England opened this latest stage of their Nations League campaign with a 2-0 win in Prague, giving Tuchel’s side momentum heading into the Croatia fixture. However, O’Reilly’s absence provides another selection consideration for the England manager as the schedule intensifies.
For O’Reilly, attention will now turn back to Manchester City, where he will undergo further assessment before a clearer picture of his condition emerges.
The defender has increasingly featured in Manchester City’s first-team plans and his versatility has made him a useful option. His ability to operate from the left side has also added depth to Pep Guardiola’s squad.
However, his immediate England opportunity has now been cut short.
No further replacements are expected to join the squad, meaning England will head into the Croatia clash with their current group of players.
After Saturday’s fixture in Rijeka, England will return home for another meeting with the Czech Republic at Wembley on Tuesday.
For now, O’Reilly’s international campaign is over, with the defender returning to Manchester City for further evaluation as England continue their Nations League push.
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