Two high-profile players got hurt in yesterday’s friendlies. England right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold’s bowed out with a suspected thigh injury, while French defender Lucas Hernandez subbed off after a blow to the knee. Belgium’s Kevin De Bruyne and Italy’s Marco Verratti are also in doubt for the opening matches due to pre-existing problems.
After the Austria tilt, Gareth Southgate told Sky Sport: “We have to see, it is obviously not a good sign that has had to walk off the pitch, and he was in some discomfort. We are so close to the finals for any players; injuries make them a doubt. But we just to see over the next 48 hours.” Hernandez was instead substituted at halftime in the game versus Wales and is set to be examined today, RMC Sport reports.
Roberto Martinez did not rule out De Bruyne for the whole Euro, but the midfielder could miss some bouts at the start of the tournament. “It is improbable for him to be ready for the first game; whoever takes his place will have to be up to the task. We have decided on his protective mask, it will be similar to the one previously used by Jan Vertonghen, and we are satisfied with it. We do not know what his condition will be at the end of the week; he just needs to relax now. He could be able to return, but we do not know for sure when that will happen. He has to be cleared by the medical staff first.”
Tuttomercatoweb reports that Verratti has not recovered from the knee sprain he suffered on May 10th and has never practiced with the rest of the group thus far. Lorenzo Pellegrini is training on the side due to a thigh strain, while Stefano Sensi is fully available.