Chelsea defender Levi Colwill has withdrawn from the England squad for the games against Malta and North Macedonia due to a shoulder injury.
The centre-back was pictured joining up with the rest of Gareth Southgate’s team this morning but it looks like he was assessed by the national team’s doctors before it was decided he could not take part in the Euro 2024 qualifiers.
Colwill was not involved in the 4-4 draw against Manchester City at the weekend, with Marc Cucurella taking his place in the starting lineup.
It was not thought that the 20-year-old had picked up a major issue but the fact that he won’t be able to play for England means he will now be a doubt for Chelsea’s next match against Newcastle at the end of the month.
Colwill is the second Chelsea player to withdraw from international duty within 24 hours
It was confirmed on Monday that Malo Gusto would not be fit to play for France’s Under 21s in their games against Austria and South Korea this week.
The fullback has sustained medial ligament damage in his knee and, like Colwill, there is now a chance that he will be unavailable for the Newcastle fixture.
Chelsea have six other players on the treatment table
Romeo Lavia is closing in on his return from an ankle injury. The £58m summer signing has not made his debut for the Blues yet, having broken down in training back in September.
However, the Belgian international is now on the mend. Manager Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that the player is out on the grass and should be back to full fitness very soon.
Christopher Nkunku could also be back in contention after the international break. Like Lavia, the Frenchman has not played a competitive match for Chelsea yet, having injured his knee in pre-season.
Carney Chukwuemeka (knee), Trevoh Chalobah (hamstring), Wesley Fofana (knee) and Ben Chilwell (hamstring) are all undergoing rehab for their respective injuries.