Euro 2021 is almost upon us, having been postponed until this summer due to problems with the pandemic. However, there are some key players who will not be able to represent their countries in the upcoming tournament due to serious injuries.
Big players who will miss Euro 2021 due to injuries
Football injuries often put players out of action for months. Some even lose the entire season, or even their career, depending on the degree of injury. Not only is this a blow to their respective clubs and their chances to win the big contests (read more here), but also the countries they represent in tournaments such as this.
Below are a few of the unfortunate players who will miss out on the biggest European football competition featuring national teams.
Cenk Tosun – Turkey
The Turkish striker was haunted by bad luck in the form of injuries last year. He had recovered from a torn cruciate ligament and in November he was able to make his Everton debut.
He went to Besiktas on loan, looking for more minutes on the field before the Euros. Sadly he will not be able to go as he has fractured his kneecap and will be out until mid-October.
Joe Gomez – England
This year has not been kind to Liverpool when it comes to injuries. Since October, they have not been able to count on a defender with the stature of Joe Gomez, who has problems with his patellar tendon.
He was out for the rest of the season and will not make it to the Euros, where he certainly would have made the England squad, being one of the best British defenders currently.
Nicolo Zaniolo – Italy
Roma’s Rising star Zanioli tore the cruciate ligament in his right knee In January 2020 and then did the same to his left knee just months later, thus ruining his chance to shine on the international stage this summer. The 20-year-old is considered one of Serie A’s most promising midfielders and will be sorely missed by his country.
Virgil Van Dijk – Netherlands
The writing was on the wall for Liverpool when they lost their most influential defender In October 2020. Van Dijk broke his knee after a collision with England keeper Jordan Pickford last October during a match against Everton.
Although his recovery went well and he is starting to train, Van Djik preferred to stay at Liverpool fully recovering for his comeback rather than trying to go to Euro. It is without doubt the most painful loss in the tournament.
Conclusion
Ironically, most of the above players would probably have been fit to compete had the tournament not been pushed back a year. It’s just a case of bad luck and bad timing, and although these big players are missing out, we can still look forward to seeing some of the best players in the world such as:
- Kyllian Mbappe (France)
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
- Robert Lewandowski (Poland)
- Harry Kane (England)
Such players will ensure that the excitement of Euro 2021 will be guaranteed, and we wish all injured players a speedy recovery so they can restart their careers at the beginning of next season.
Place your Bets on Euro 2020
As one of the biggest football competitions in the world, Euro also allows fans to place sports bets on some of the best bookmakers today. And if you like the Euro – and betting – but don’t know which markets or games to choose, you can find the euro 2020 betting tips online.
So you can place sports bets even if you are not the star of the analysis, and enjoy the Euro 2020 games with much more excitement.