Key Players Who Will Miss Euro 2024

Euro 2024 is poised to showcase some of Europe’s finest football talent, but the tournament will unfortunately be missing several key players due to injuries.

As national teams finalise their squads, the absence of these influential figures could reshape tactics and the outcome of crucial games.

As anticipation grows for kick-off on June 12 and several teams vie for supremacy in the Euro 2024 winner odds, here’s a look at some of the significant players who won’t participate in the prestigious tournament.

Gavi – Spain

Pablo Martín Páez Gavira, better known simply as Gavi, has quickly become an indispensable figure for Spain.

At just 19, he already boasts 27 international caps, demonstrating maturity beyond his years.

Since debuting for Spain in late 2021, the dynamic Barcelona midfielder has been a mainstay and played every game at the 2022 World Cup, marking his first major tournament with La Roja.

Unfortunately, Gavi sustained an ACL injury during a match against Georgia in November, ruling him out of what would have been his first European Championship.

His absence is a significant blow to Spain’s midfield creativity and tenacity.

David Alaba – Austria

A veteran with over 100 international appearances, David Alaba’s influence on the Austrian team is profound, both as a leader and versatile player.

The Real Madrid defender, who can also play in midfield, suffered an ACL injury, depriving Austria of its captain and key defensive anchor.

In a challenging group that includes powerhouses like France and the Netherlands, Alaba’s experience and versatility will be sorely missed.

Thibaut Courtois – Belgium

Belgium’s goalkeeping stalwart, Thibaut Courtois, has faced a particularly tough season marred by injuries.

The Real Madrid goalkeeper tore his ACL in August and encountered a setback with a second knee injury when he returned to training earlier this year.

Even if Courtois was fit, his selection for Euro 2024 would have been a subject of speculation, as the 31-year-old has had a couple of public fallingouts with Belgium boss Domenico Tedesco.

Nonetheless, his absence could be a critical factor for the side in the bet on the Eurosmarkets, as Belgium have relied on his world-class shot-stopping abilities in the past.

Lewis Ferguson – Scotland

Scotland will be making consecutive appearances at the European Championships, a testament to their recent progress on the international stage.

However, they will be without Lewis Ferguson, a promising attacking midfielder who has excelled since moving from Aberdeen to Bologna.

Linked with some of Italy’s top clubs, Ferguson’s ACL injury in April ended his hopes of playing in his first Euros.

The 25-year-old will be missed by Scotland, and the injury has hampered his chances of impressing his high-profile suitors on the grand stage.

Christopher Nkunku – France

Christopher Nkunku’s move to Chelsea was supposed to mark the next big step in his career, but injury troubles have plagued the talented forward.

Having already missed the 2022 World Cup due to a knee ligament injury, Nkunku is set to miss another major international tournament.

While there is a chance he might return to play for Chelsea before the season ends, it appears unlikely that he will make the French squad for the Euros.

While France is not limited in terms of forwards, Nkunku’s injury still deprives Les Bleus of one of their most dynamic attacking talents.