Nathan Collins Faces Injury Concern Ahead of Ireland's Nations League Kick-off

Nathan Collins is facing a race against time to be fit for the Republic of Ireland’s Nations League kick-off after suffering a calf injury with Brentford.

The Ireland captain limped out of Brentford’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland in the Premier League last weekend and will now spend a spell on the sidelines, according to Bees boss Keith Andrews.

Brentford blow, Ireland concern

Speaking before Brentford’s game against Bournemouth, Andrews ruled the centre-back out until after the upcoming international window.

"No, he won't be involved this side of the international break. Unfortunately, he's picked up a calf injury," Andrews said of the defender, who has 40 international caps.

Collins tried to grit his way through the problem before eventually coming off.

"He probably felt it a little bit earlier in the game and tried to play through it, naturally, like he would, given the type of character he is and being one of our leaders and our captains.

"So, no, unfortunately he won't be involved."

For Heimir Hallgrimsson, the timing is awkward. Ireland open their Nations League Group B3 campaign away to Kosovo on Thursday, 24 September, before facing Israel three days later.

If Collins does not recover in time, Ireland’s manager will have to reshuffle his back line just as the competitive stakes start to rise.