From Courtois to Haaland: The Football Stars We Won't See at Euro 2024
Due to a poor season, injuries, their coaches' decisions, or simply because their countries did not qualify, they are the major absentees from Euro 2024.
Here are the players who will be absent from Euro 2024. Some are out because their countries did not qualify, others due to injuries that ended their dreams of participating. Additionally, some players were left out due to their coaches' decisions.
Frenkie de Jong
The midfielder is the latest confirmed absence for Euro 2024. He was initially called up by Koeman, but his recent ankle injury has forced him to withdraw from the tournament with the Netherlands.
Thibaut Courtois
The absence of Thibaut Courtois from Belgium’s list surprised nearly all fans. Although Courtois missed most of the season due to a severe knee injury in August, he returned in time for the Euro. He even played in the Champions League final and showed good physical condition. However, Belgian coach Domenico Tedesco chose Thomas Kaminski, Matz Sels, and Koen Casteels. According to Tedesco, Courtois does not feel ready for such an intense competition with matches every three or four days.
David Alaba
Another Real Madrid player who will be absent is David Alaba. The Austrian defender suffered a ruptured ACL in his left knee in December and has not been able to play since. He will not be able to lead his team against France in the first group stage match on June 17.
Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland will not be at the Euro because Norway did not qualify. The team finished third in their qualifying group behind Spain and Scotland. The Premier League’s top scorer will watch the Euro from home.
Martin Odegaard
Like Haaland, Martin Odegaard will also not be at the Euro. The Norwegian captain and Arsenal star was voted Player of the Season by the fans of the London club.
Christopher Nkunku
Christopher Nkunku is perhaps the most notable absence for France. After joining Chelsea, Nkunku has been plagued by injuries, keeping him out of Deschamps' squad.
Jack Grealish, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho
Surprisingly, none of these three English players will be at the Euro. Jack Grealish was left out by Gareth Southgate. Jadon Sancho, despite a good second half of the season with Dortmund, did not convince the coach. Marcus Rashford, disappointing with Manchester United, is also absent.
Mats Hummels
Mats Hummels, who performed well with Borussia Dortmund, was not called up by Julian Nagelsmann, who aims to rejuvenate the German squad. Julian Brandt and Leon Goretzka were also left out.
Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire, another experienced defender, will not participate due to a calf injury. He would have been a key player for England without this physical issue.
Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak, who scored 21 goals in 30 Premier League matches, will not be at the Euro because Sweden did not qualify. The team finished third in their qualifying group behind Belgium and Austria.