Liverpool transfer target Marc Guehi leaves England squad as injury issue clear

1 hour ago 1

Marc Guehi has departed England's training camp ahead of the team's World Cup qualifier against Albania.

Guehi, who almost joined Liverpool during the summer transfer window, sustained an injury whilst representing Crystal Palace and was absent from his country's 2-0 victory over Serbia on Thursday at Wembley. He has withdrawn from Thomas Tuchel's squad and will instead continue his recovery from the foot injury with Palace.

The Palace defender had been optimistic about regaining fitness in time for Sunday's match in Tirana, but has chosen to leave his teammates at Tottenham's training facility to recuperate with his club. Speaking prior to the Serbia victory, Tuchel outlined the situation regarding the center-back.

"Everybody is in training in the afternoon except for Marc Guehi," he said. "With Marc it is very painful but there is no structural damage so it is all about the pain.

"There is the possibility that from one day to the other there is a significant improvement, so we are working realistically towards the second game.

"If he is not in training on Friday and not able to train on Saturday, then we will not make him travel with us, and he will of course get rest and treatment.

Thomas Tuchel will be without Guehi for England's next game

Thomas Tuchel will be without Guehi for England's next game

"We want him to stay with us, want him to stay close. He is one of the leaders, he is an important member of the team.

"He is glue between many players and it is nice to see that he is trying everything to be included in the second game. We will assess him every day."

Guehi sustained an injury during Palace's 3-1 Conference League victory over AZ Alkmaar last week and was absent for the team's Premier League clash with Brighton at the weekend.

Oliver Glasner revealed that his skipper "can't even walk," raising concerns about a potentially serious problem, though Tuchel eased those worries ahead of the Serbia match.

The defender will now concentrate on regaining fitness for Palace's upcoming Premier League fixture against Wolves on November 22.

This marks another injury setback Tuchel has had to navigate during the November international window.

Trevoh Chalobah received a call-up to provide defensive cover for Guehi and joined James Trafford in replacing the injured Newcastle pair of Anthony Gordon and Nick Pope.

Despite England having already secured World Cup qualification with a flawless record and no goals conceded, Sunday's Albania encounter in Tirana presents an opportunity for fringe players to press their case for next summer's tournament.

"Nobody wants injuries to happen, but injuries can happen, players can pull out, players can drop in form, and others can have form, so I am very much open," Tuchel said before the Serbia game, which was secured through strikes from Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze.

Story Saved

You can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.

Read Entire Article