Nico O’Reilly Leaves England Camp and Returns to Manchester City With Fitness Issue
Manchester City midfielder Nico O’Reilly has been withdrawn from England’s squad and will return to his club for further medical assessment after suffering a fitness issue during the international break.
The Football Association confirmed O’Reilly’s departure, meaning the 20-year-old will miss England’s remaining UEFA Nations League fixture during the current international window. The extent of the problem has yet to be established.
O’Reilly featured in England’s opening Nations League match against Spain, but his performance was overshadowed by an error that contributed to the Three Lions’ 3-2 defeat to La Roja. He was subsequently left out as England made changes to their lineup.
The Manchester City academy graduate was not included in the squad for England’s 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic in midweek. The FA has now confirmed that he has returned to Manchester City to undergo further examinations.
“Nico O’Reilly has returned to Manchester City and there will be no replacement for his departure,” the FA said, as reported by The Independent.
England will therefore continue without bringing in another player to fill O’Reilly’s place. The decision leaves Thomas Tuchel with alternative options for the left-back role, including Lewis Hall and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Hall could be particularly well placed to retain his starting position after delivering a strong performance against the Czech Republic. The Newcastle United defender played the full match and helped England secure a clean sheet in their 2-0 victory.
Tuchel could therefore turn to Hall again when England face Croatia on Saturday, October 3. With O’Reilly unavailable and no replacement being called up, England will have to rely on the players already within the squad for the remainder of the Nations League fixtures.
For Manchester City, the immediate priority will be determining the severity of O’Reilly’s fitness issue and assessing whether he will be available for club football once the international break concludes.
