Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has withdrawn from the England squad ahead of their UEFA Nations League matches against Greece and Finland due to injury.
Mainoo is not the only player to pull out of the squad, as Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa and Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White have also been ruled out due to injury concerns.
According to a statement from England, there will be no further additions to the squad, meaning interim manager Lee Carsley will work with a 22-man group for the October fixtures.
The Three Lions are scheduled to face Greece at Wembley Stadium on October 10 before travelling to Finland three days later.
The statement confirmed that Mainoo, Konsa, and Gibbs-White all suffered their injuries during the weekend’s Premier League action. Konsa was forced off after just 12 minutes in Aston Villa’s 0-0 draw against Manchester United, while Mainoo was substituted five minutes from time in the same match.
Gibbs-White, who was hoping to make only his second appearance for England after debuting against the Republic of Ireland in September, was also taken off during Nottingham Forest’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Mainoo had become an exciting option in England’s midfield after impressing during the country’s run to the Euro 2024 final, where he featured in all of the knockout matches under Gareth Southgate.
His absence, along with Gibbs-White’s withdrawal, could open the door for Angel Gomes to make a stronger claim in England’s midfield.
Despite the injury setback, Mainoo continues to receive praise for his development at Manchester United. Rio Ferdinand has hailed the youngster’s work rate and growth, describing him as one of the most promising talents at the club.
Meanwhile, Adika has also praised Mainoo’s new Manchester United deal, while criticising Ruben Amorim over his handling of the midfielder.
For England and Manchester United, the hope will be that Mainoo’s injury is not serious and that he can return quickly as both club and country continue to rely on his maturity, energy, and quality in midfield.
