Raheem Sterling is an injury doubt for England’s UEFA Nations League match against Belgium, according to Mike McGrath of the Telegraph.
The 25-year-old picked up a knock during training but a decision won’t be made until before kickoff.
Raheem Sterling Set to Miss England Game Against Belgium
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Raheem Sterling was rested for Englands 3-0 win over the Republic of Ireland on Thursday with this game in mind. The Manchester City winger is a crucial part of Gareth Southgate’s setup and would play an important role against the Red Devils.
Sterling has played every minute for City this season but missed last months international fixtures with a hamstring problem.
But, according to the report, Southgate is reluctant to risk him in case it will exacerbate any injury concerns for the winger ahead of the upcoming fixtures.
Possible Replacements
Gareth Southgate does have a number of options to replace Sterling. Jack Grealish looks likely to start in the absence of the Manchester City man given his good form for both club and country.
Other options include Borussia Dortmund man Jadon Sancho, who scored England’s second goal against Ireland during the week, and Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who also netted in the 3-0 win.
Marcus Rashford is an injury doubt for Southgate, as are defensive options Harry Maguire, Joe Gomez and Conor Coady. Reece James is suspended for the next two Nations League fixtures, but Harry Kane is set to earn his 50th cap.
Southgate on Team News:
As reported by the Telegraph, England manager Gareth Southgate said: “We need that depth in that area and we need that with two games to win in three days.
“You are not going to win games in 30 minutes, we have to be perfect against Belgium, with or without the ball, for the entire 95 minutes.
“We need more than 11 and all the guys are in good form. What pleased me the other night, we got to look at players in slightly different positions, Mason Mount centrally, Reece James as right centre back, and as games progress, we have to adjust and adapt.”
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