The Manchester United duo Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo are now doubts for joining the England squad after fresh injury concerns
Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo
Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo are doubts for England
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Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo are doubts for England after fresh injury concerns emerged following Manchester United's 1‑1 draw at Fulham on Sunday. Both had been called up by Thomas Tuchel for the Three Lions' Nations League fixtures this month and in October.
Rashford and Mainoo return to the group after the tournament. Mainoo, however, did not feature during the World Cup, remaining an unused substitute all the way to the semi‑finals.
England will face Spain, the Czech Republic twice and Croatia in their Nations League group‑stage campaign during an extended three‑week international break beginning next week.
But Rashford and Mainoo may now have to withdraw, with Rashford understood to be managing a hip issue he has carried since the World Cup, according to The Athletic. "We had to bring him off as he had a bit of an issue," United boss Michael Carrick said after the match.
Asked if he was alright, he replied: "I'm not sure."
Mainoo, who played 80 minutes at Craven Cottage, is also believed to be carrying an injury. The youngster had hoped to finally get some minutes after failing to play a single minute at the major tournament.
Tuchel admitted it 'hurt him' not to use the 21‑year‑old, and revealed he had been due to feature against France in the third‑place play‑off before suffering an injury in the build‑up.
"I expect him to be on the pitch and it's my duty to get him on the pitch. That was totally on me," the England boss admitted. "He didn't put a foot wrong during the World Cup. He was class in behaviour on the training pitch.
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"There was big competition; we played Reece [James] in central midfield also. Elliot Anderson is amazing for us, Declan Rice is a very unique player. We trusted them more than we trusted Kobbie. It was difficult for him. It was on me.
"He got injured before the France game so we couldn't even give him minutes there, which hurt me. Maybe he was more hurt than me but it was my responsibility and it's my responsibility to reward him for that."
Chelsea's Cole Palmer is also expected to withdraw from the England squad due to load management, The Athletic adds. His fitness is being carefully managed after making seven appearances this season, following a campaign disrupted by injury last year.
The extended three‑week international break gets underway later this week, with England playing their first match on Saturday (September 26) against Spain at Wembley (7:45pm).
At United, Carrick and his staff will also be encouraged by the break, hopeful their injured players can use the time to recover and return to action. Once the break ends, the Reds will host Tottenham on Saturday, October 10 (5:30pm).