Arsenal’s Lewis-Skelly and Konsa Ruled Out of England’s Clash with Croatia
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Arsenal has seen five of its players called up for England duty during the November international break; however, only three will be available to face Croatia in Thursday’s Nations League match at Wembley.
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Although Myles Lewis-Skelly is fit, he will miss the game against Croatia due to a one-match suspension for accumulating yellow cards.
In the Nations League, a player faces suspension after receiving two yellow cards across different matches, and further suspensions follow for additional sets of two bookings.
This accumulation of yellow cards resets only after the quarter-finals or once a team exits the competition.
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Lewis-Skelly received yellow cards in both the away and home matches against Czechia, necessitating a one-match ban. He will be eligible to play against Spain following his suspension.
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In addition to Lewis-Skelly’s absence, England has also confirmed that Ezri Konsa will not participate. Konsa is currently being rested while he works through recent injury issues and is on a tailored training program during the break.
“Konsa and Spence are both out for tomorrow [against Croatia],” Tuchel confirmed on Wednesday (via James Olley). “The understanding, the hope and the belief is they are both in individual training on Friday, team training on Saturday and match ready [for Spain] on Sunday.”
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Despite these setbacks, Arsenal will still contribute three players to the England squad against Croatia: Ben White, Declan Rice, and Eberechi Eze have all received call-ups.
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Currently, England ranks second in their group after four matches, only requiring one additional point to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
To top the group, they must earn three points against leaders Spain, likely necessitating wins in both the upcoming matches against Croatia and Spain. England enjoys a four-goal advantage over Spain in goal difference, making those outcomes favorable regardless of the scores.
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