Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Ezri Konsa and Djed Spence will both miss England’s Nations League clash at home to Croatia through injury.
Konsa’s fitness concerns
Konsa has been managing his fitness after taking a hit to his knee during Arsenal’s 2-1 win away to Slavia Prague. The 29-year-old three days later played the full 90 minutes as Arsenal narrowly beat Hull, but has been following an individual training programme since linking up with England.
Konsa was absent as the Three Lions trained at Tottenham’s training ground on Wednesday afternoon, along with Spence, who has struggled for fitness since leaving Spurs for Inter Milan over the summer.
Tuchel’s decision
Asked about the pair, Tuchel confirmed he did not want to risk further injury by playing either of them against Croatia at Wembley on Thursday.
“It’s my understanding at the moment that they will be both available but we will not take the risk. For tomorrow, both out for tomorrow,” Tuchel said in his pre-match press conference.
“You saw it, they were not in training. They follow their own programme, and the understanding and the hope and the belief, I would say, is that they’re both in individual training on Friday, team training on Saturday and match ready on Sunday.”
England’s group campaign
England are looking to top their Nations League group, starting with the visit of Croatia. They then take on World Champions Spain at the Metropolitano in Madrid this weekend.
Tuchel’s side enjoyed a successful international break in September, winning three of their four games, including a 7-0 demolition of Croatia in Rijeka.
