Gareth Southgate's England preparations have been dealt a significant blow as Chelsea defender Levi Colwill has been forced to withdraw from the squad ahead of their international fixture against Latvia.
The 21-year-old centre-back, who had been hoping to make his mark during this international break, reported an injury that will prevent him from featuring in the upcoming match. Football Association officials confirmed the news this morning, leaving Southgate with defensive selection headaches.
Immediate Replacement Called Up
In response to Colwill's withdrawal, the England management team has acted swiftly, already calling up a replacement defender to maintain squad depth. While the identity of the replacement hasn't been officially disclosed, sources close to the camp suggest Southgate has turned to an experienced Premier League defender to bolster his options.
The timing couldn't be worse for the young Chelsea star, who had been enjoying an impressive run of form for his club and was widely expected to feature prominently in Southgate's plans for the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.
Southgate's Defensive Dilemma
This latest setback adds to Southgate's growing concerns about defensive stability. With several key players managing fitness issues throughout the season, the England manager now faces crucial decisions about his backline configuration for the Latvia encounter.
Football insiders suggest this could open the door for other squad members to stake their claim for regular starting positions, with competition for defensive roles remaining fiercely contested.
The England medical team will continue to monitor Colwill's condition, with Chelsea staff being kept informed about his rehabilitation programme. Both club and country will be hoping the talented defender can make a swift recovery ahead of the busy festive football schedule.
