The countdown to Euro 2024 in Germany has begun, but the party won't be complete for some of the world's biggest footballing stars. Injuries, suspensions, and even qualification failures have conspired to keep these marquee names out of the summer spectacle.
Here's a closer look at 10 players who likely won't be gracing the German pitches.
1.Thibaut Courtois (Belgium): A double dose of misfortune has sidelined Belgium's world-class goalkeeper. After battling back from a pre-season ACL tear, Courtois suffered another serious knee injury during a training session with Real Madrid. This setback adds another layer of disappointment, leaving him in tears for the second time this season as his return to action is significantly delayed. Beyond the injury, Courtois' relationship with national team coach Domenico Tedesco appears fractured beyond repair. Their falling out began last summer when Tedesco publicly claimed Courtois missed a Euro 2024 qualifier due to his displeasure at not being named captain. Courtois vehemently denied this, creating a tense atmosphere that could cost him a spot in the tournament, even if he recovers in time.
2. David Alaba (Austria): Austria's versatile defensive rock, David Alaba, suffered a cruel blow in December when he tore his ACL during a Liga match against Villarreal. Unlike some other players facing similar injuries, Alaba's case is particularly unfortunate. The lengthy recovery period, estimated at eight months, effectively ends his season and dashes his hopes of featuring in Euro 2024. Alaba's absence leaves a massive hole in the Austrian backline, considering his ability to play both center-back and left-back at a world-class level.
3.Gavi (Spain): Young Spanish sensation Gavi's meteoric rise hit a roadblock in November during a seemingly meaningless Euro 2024 qualifier against Georgia. The teenager suffered a devastating ACL tear, sparking a blame game between Barcelona and the Spanish national team coach, Luis de la Fuente. Barcelona publicly questioned the decision to play Gavi, suggesting he was being pushed too hard and susceptible to burnout. De la Fuente vehemently denied these claims, insisting Gavi was fully fit for the match. Regardless of the cause, the injury is a major setback for both player and country. With a lengthy recovery period ahead, Gavi's participation in Euro 2024 seems highly unlikely. This is a significant blow to Spain's midfield, as Gavi's energy, creativity, and dribbling skills were a major factor in their recent success.
4. Reece James (England): England's swashbuckling full-back, Reece James, has been battling a recurring hamstring injury throughout the season. This culminated in another setback in December, casting a shadow over his availability for Euro 2024. While England manager Gareth Southgate remains optimistic about James' return, there's no clear timeline for his recovery. This puts James in a race against time to be fit for the tournament.
5. Paul Pogba (France): French midfielder Paul Pogba is facing a heart-breaking situation. A positive test for a banned substance last August resulted in a four-year suspension, leaving him utterly distraught. Pogba vehemently denies any wrongdoing, insisting he never intentionally took performance-enhancing drugs. However, if his appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is unsuccessful, the devastating consequences could extend far beyond the Euros. Pogba might never play for his club, Juventus, or his national team again.
6. Sandro Tonali (Italy): A promising start to Sandro Tonali's Premier League career with Newcastle United was derailed by his involvement in a major Italian football betting scandal. The 23-year-old midfielder was caught placing bets on matches, including those involving his former club AC Milan. This resulted in a 10-month suspension that began in October 2023, effectively ruling him out of Euro 2024. Tonali's absence is a blow to Italy's midfield, as he was a strong contender for a starting spot under manager Luciano Spalletti.
7. Sven Botman (Netherlands): Dutch hopeful Sven Botman's dreams of featuring in Euro 2024 were shattered by a cruel twist of fate. The highly-rated defender suffered a devastating ACL injury during a Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester City in mid-March. This setback keeps him sidelined for a significant period, ranging from 6-9 months, effectively ruling him out of the Euros.
8. Ben White (England): A cloud of uncertainty hangs over the availability of English defender Ben White for Euro 2024. White hasn't featured for the Three Lions since the 2022 World Cup, citing personal reasons for his departure from the team. This self-imposed exile has continued, with the player declining a call-up for the March internationals against Brazil and Belgium.
England manager Gareth Southgate expressed his disappointment at White's unavailability. While Southgate maintains there are no personal issues between him and White, the defender's absence creates a significant gap in the England squad. White's versatility, ability to play in a back three or four, and his calmness on the ball made him a valuable option for Southgate's defense. With the Euros approaching, the door remains open for White's return, but it's up to him to decide if he's ready to rejoin the national team fold.
9. Erling Haaland (Norway): Even prolific goalscorers aren't immune to the disappointment of missing major tournaments. Erling Haaland, who dominated the Premier League last season and sits atop the scoring charts, won't be showcasing his talents at Euro 2024. The reason? Norway's underwhelming performance in qualifying. Despite Haaland's individual brilliance - he netted six goals in qualifying, bringing his international tally to a remarkable 27 goals in just 30 appearances - the team itself faltered. Norway only managed three wins in their eight qualifiers, and a leaky defense conceding 12 goals proved costly. This collective struggle means Haaland, and Norwegian fans around the world, will have to wait until the next major international tournament to witness his skills on the grandest stage.
10. Viktor Gyokeres (Sweden): Sharing the same fate as fellow Nordic star Erling Haaland, Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres won't be lighting up Euro 2024. Despite a red-hot season with Sporting CP, where he's plundered 36 goals in 39 games, Gyokeres will have to watch the Euros from afar. This is the second consecutive major tournament Sweden has failed to qualify for, following their heartbreak in the 2022 World Cup play-offs. While Haaland's Norway fell short to Spain and Scotland, it was Belgium and Austria who edged out Sweden. Sweden, much like Norway, struggled defensively and only managed wins in less than half their qualifying matches.
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