Courtois, Gavi & the stars who look set to miss Euro 2024

Possible absences from Euro 2024 could include notable figures like Thibaut Courtois and Gavi. These players, among others, may face circumstances that prevent their participation in the tournament.

As Euro 2024 approaches, the countdown to the opening game intensifies, raising concerns for managers and players alike. Some high-profile individuals have unfortunately been sidelined due to injuries like ACL tears or suspensions. However, there is still hope for others who are racing against time to regain full fitness or peak form before the tournament kicks off in Germany.

These players remain optimistic about their prospects of making a comeback and earning a spot in their national teams, either by demonstrating their match readiness or by rediscovering their top form in the final two months of the club season.

An overview of the prominent figures who currently appear likely to be absent from this summer's European football extravaganza in Germany

- David Alaba (Austria)

Unlike his Real Madrid teammates Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao, who also suffered ACL tears this season, Alaba had no possibility of returning before the end of the campaign. The versatile Austrian defender sustained his injury in December during a Liga match against Villarreal.

With the typical recovery period being eight months, Alaba will be unable to participate in Austria's Euro 2024 campaign.

- Domenico Berardi (Italy)

Domenico Berardi, who had recently returned from a meniscus injury, experienced a complete tear of the Achilles tendon in his right leg during Sassuolo's Serie A match against Verona on March 3. The versatile forward, who played a role in Italy's Euro 2020 victory, is unlikely to resume playing until the following year.

- Sven Botman (Netherlands)

Center-back is a position of considerable depth for the Netherlands, yet Sven Botman would have aspired to secure a place in Ronald Koeman's lineup before sustaining an ACL injury during a match for Newcastle against Manchester City on March 16.

Unfortunately, he is now facing a 6-9 month recovery period, rendering him unavailable for this summer's Euros.

- Thibaut Courtois (Belgium)

Thibaut Courtois faced devastating news as he was poised to make a comeback from a previous injury, only to be struck by another serious knee injury during a Real Madrid training session, leading to tears for the second time this season.

Having already suffered an ACL tear in his left knee during pre-season, Courtois experienced a tear in the internal meniscus of the same knee on March 19. Surgery followed promptly, but his return to action isn't anticipated until the 2024-25 season.

Despite this setback, Courtois' participation in Euro 2024 would have been uncertain regardless. His strained relationship with national team coach Domenico Tedesco, stemming from a fallout last summer over missing a Euro 2024 qualifier, casts doubt on his chances.

Tedesco indicated Courtois wasn't given the captaincy, prompting Courtois to question Tedesco's honesty on social media. Consequently, Courtois may find it difficult to earn a recall under Tedesco's leadership.

- Gavi (Spain)

Barcelona reportedly held Spain coach Luis de la Fuente responsible for Gavi's injury sustained during a Euro 2024 qualifier against Georgia in November. Despite being one of the two players retained from the previous game against Cyprus, Gavi was forced off just 24 minutes into the match in Valladolid due to a severe knee injury.

De la Fuente dismissed claims of Gavi being at risk of burnout, asserting that the midfielder was fresh and fit to play. He maintained that such injuries can occur in any situation and emphasized Gavi's readiness for the match.

Regardless of the circumstances, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has purportedly decided not to include Gavi in international duty until the following year, despite his expected return to action in time for the 2024-25 campaign.

- Reece James (England)

Reece James expressed optimism about his comeback in a social media post in late February, though the exact timing remains uncertain. Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has been cautious about setting a specific return date due to James' recurring hamstring issues.

However, during the March international break, England manager Gareth Southgate indicated that they hope James would have some playing time before the Euros.

Southgate raised concerns about James' ability to handle a packed schedule, given his history of injuries. Yet, he acknowledged James' talent and the potential impact he could make if fit. With only nine appearances for Chelsea this season, James faces a race against time to prove his fitness and worth to Southgate ahead of the Euros.

- Christopher Nkunku (France)

Christopher Nkunku's chances of participating in Euro 2024 are diminishing rapidly. The forward, who hasn't represented France since June last year, has been troubled by fitness issues since joining Chelsea. Nkunku suffered a knee injury during pre-season, requiring surgery and sidelining him for four months.

Despite showing promise upon his return, including scoring on his Premier League debut on Christmas Eve, Nkunku faced further setbacks. A hip injury in January was followed by a hamstring issue the next month. Although there's a possibility of his return in April, there's uncertainty surrounding his comeback.

Given his injury woes and lack of recent international appearances, it appears unlikely that the 26-year-old, who hasn't scored for his country, will be able to make a comeback into the French squad in time for the Euros.

- Ivan Perisic (Croatia)

Ivan Perisic's participation in Euro 2024 appears doubtful, despite his impressive record of 129 international caps for Croatia. The veteran winger sustained a complex ACL injury in his right knee during non-contact training with Tottenham in September last year, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou indicated in January that Perisic is unlikely to feature for the club again, especially considering his contract expires at the end of the season. However, Perisic suggested later that month that there is a slim chance he could return to action in April.

- Paul Pogba (France)

Paul Pogba has been deeply saddened by the news of his four-year ban resulting from a positive test for a banned substance last August, a reaction that is completely understandable.

The midfielder maintains that he never knowingly consumed performance-enhancing drugs, despite the discovery of testosterone metabolites in his system. However, if he fails to overturn the suspension on appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), it's likely that he will never represent Juventus or his national team again.

Even before this setback, Pogba had been grappling with a series of injury problems. He missed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar due to surgery-related recovery issues. Consequently, there were already significant doubts about whether he could regain the form that made him the most expensive player in football history when he transferred from Juventus to Manchester United in 2016.

- Luke Shaw (England)

Luke Shaw has rejoined the England squad for the March friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, yet doubts persist about his availability for Euro 2024. The Manchester United left-back, who can also operate in central defense, suffered a recurrence of a muscular issue during February's match against Luton, the same problem that sidelined him for three months earlier in the season.

Initially expected to be out for the remainder of the campaign, Shaw, 28, reportedly hasn't abandoned hope of featuring in the tournament in Germany. Gareth Southgate, England's manager, will be keen for the rapid recovery of one of his key players from Euro 2020, especially considering the limited quality options at left-back for the Three Lions.

- Raheem Sterling (England)

Raheem Sterling showed glimpses of his top form earlier in the season, but England manager Gareth Southgate recently remarked that the winger faces a tough challenge to regain his spot in the national team. Despite contributing to 15 goals for Chelsea in the 2023-24 season, he's been overshadowed by teammate Cole Palmer, and Sterling has even faced criticism from Stamford Bridge supporters lately.

With Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka considered locks for the squad, and players like Anthony Gordon and Jarrod Bowen showcasing better form, it becomes clearer why Southgate might consider leaving out one of the standout performers from Euro 2020 this summer.

- Jurrien Timber (Netherlands)

Jurrien Timber's promising start with Arsenal was abruptly halted when he sustained an ACL injury during his Premier League debut against Nottingham Forest last August, following impressive performances in pre-season and the Community Shield.

Initial concerns suggested his season could be over, but Timber is now on track for a comeback post the March international break. Currently, his primary focus is on regaining full fitness, aiming to contribute significantly to Arsenal's title aspirations. If he manages to achieve this, there's a possibility he could earn a call-up from Ronald Koeman for the Euros, given his valuable versatility when fully fit.

- Sandro Tonali (Italy)

Sandro Tonali, following a promising start to his Premier League career with Newcastle following his unexpected transfer from AC Milan, became embroiled in a significant betting scandal, marking the most significant incident in Italian football since the 1980s. Consequently, the midfielder received a 10-month ban for his involvement in illegal gambling, starting from October 27, 2023, effectively ruling him out of participation in this summer's Euros.

Tonali's suspension dealt a blow to Italy, as he would have been a contender for a starting position in Luciano Spalletti's squad. However, the priority amidst this regrettable situation is that the 23-year-old is now receiving necessary assistance to address his gambling problem.

- Ben White (England)

Ben White has been absent from the England squad since departing from the 2022 World Cup due to "personal reasons," and it seems unlikely that his self-imposed absence will end soon. Gareth Southgate, the Three Lions boss, attempted to include the Arsenal right-back in the squad for the March internationals against Brazil and Belgium, but was informed by Gunners sporting director Edu that White preferred not to make himself available for selection.

Southgate expressed disappointment at this decision, highlighting White's previous involvement in both the Euros and the World Cup squads. Despite the absence, Southgate emphasized that there are no issues between them, nor with coach Steve Holland. However, he reiterated the importance of focusing on players who are available to contribute to the team.