Nico O'Reilly has been sent home from the England squad after being ruled out of their remaining Nations League fixtures this month through injury. The Manchester City defender has flown back from Croatia to undergo treatment at his club and will be absent for Saturday's match in Rijeka as well as next Tuesday's encounter with Czechia at Wembley.
The precise nature of O'Reilly's injury has not been disclosed, though he was already missing for Tuesday's 2-0 victory in Prague and also sat out a training session following the opening fixture against Spain.
Official statement confirms return
An official statement confirmed: "Nico O'Reilly has returned to Manchester City and will play no part in the forthcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures. The left-back sat out the 2-0 victory against Czechia in Prague and has now returned to his club for further assessment. No further replacements are planned as the Three Lions prepare to face Croatia in Rijeka on Saturday before returning to Wembley to take on Czechia on Tuesday."
O'Reilly has become the sixth England player to withdraw from Thomas Tuchel's squad through injury. The 21-year-old joins Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Tino Livramento on the sidelines.
Hall set to keep starting spot
With O'Reilly sidelined, Lewis Hall is well placed to keep his spot in England's starting 11. The Newcastle defender caught the eye against Czechia, earning his fifth international cap in the process.
Tuchel expressed satisfaction with Hall's 'excellent' display, as well as Trent Alexander-Arnold's contribution at right-back. "Both full-backs were good," the England manager declared. "I think the position in the second half suited Trent a little bit more than the position in the first half and Lewis did excellent on the other side, so well done."
England target six points from three matches
England will be aiming to secure six points from three matches when they face Croatia. Tuchel's side suffered a 3-2 home defeat to Spain in their opening fixture, dealing a blow to their chances of topping League A Group 3.
The Three Lions weathered early pressure from Czechia before Pavel Sulc was shown a red card, leaving the hosts with 10 men. Second-half strikes from Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane sealed the victory for England, with Tuchel applauding his squad for their improved showing as the match progressed.
"We stepped up in urgency, bit of quicker play and better ball speed. We deserved to win the second half," the German added. "With the red card we became heavy, heavy favourites. A clean sheet is always important, it gives everyone a good feeling. Always things to improve but overall a serious performance and a deserved win."
