Nico O’Reilly has returned to Manchester City from the England squad due to injury and will not participate in the remaining fixtures of the current international break. The 21-year-old left-back played the full match in England’s Nations League opener against Spain last Saturday, which ended in a 3-2 defeat at Wembley. During that game, O’Reilly was involved in a key moment leading to Spain’s equalizer. He subsequently missed the 2-0 win over the Czech Republic in Prague on Tuesday after sustaining an injury during training.

England manager Thomas Tuchel had initially expressed optimism about O’Reilly’s availability for the upcoming Nations League match against Croatia in Rijeka. However, no alternative players have been called up to replace him, and O’Reilly is now back at Manchester City for further assessment and continued rehabilitation. The Football Association confirmed that he will not feature in either the game against Croatia or the return fixture against the Czech Republic at Wembley next Tuesday.

In O’Reilly’s absence, Newcastle United defender Lewis Hall is expected to retain his place at left-back. Hall, 22, impressed in his first start for England during Tuesday’s win over the Czech Republic, showcasing strong combinations with teammate Anthony Gordon on the left flank. The match against Croatia is set to be played behind closed doors, providing Hall with another opportunity to solidify his role in the squad.

The current situation leaves England relying on Hall as the primary option at left-back during this stretch of the Nations League campaign. O’Reilly’s injury impact emphasizes the challenges the team faces in maintaining squad depth amid ongoing international commitments.