Collins a doubt for Republic of Ireland with calf injury

Ireland captain Nathan Collins faces doubt for the start of the Republic's Nations League campaign due to a calf injury. The defender was substituted in Brentford's 1-1 draw with Sunderland last weekend with the ailment. Keith Andrews, the Bees manager, confirmed during a pre-match press conference that Collins will miss the international break.

He stated, "Unfortunately, he's picked up a calf injury." Collins, who has 40 caps for Ireland, likely felt the pain during the match and attempted to continue playing, consistent with his leadership role. The Irish team begins their Group B3 campaign against Kosovo on September 24th, followed by matches against Israel on September 27th and October 1st, concluding with another game against Israel in a neutral location on October 4th.