Kai Havertz and Isak among absentees as international injuries pile up

A bruising Nations League break has turned into a run of injuries that is quickly turning into a headache for top clubs: Kai Havertz, Arsenal, Alexander Isak, Newcastle, and Patrick Dorgu, Manchester United are among those hit after international duty.

As The Guardian reports, the stress comes from the sheer workload: Wales coach Craig Bellamy said the tournament’s intensity is “designed for the elite” after four matches in 11 days. Club officials have been watching players closely, and each day has brought fresh casualties.

Hamstring and muscle issues are the common thread. Alex Scott, Bournemouth, is set to miss up to two months after a quadriceps problem diagnosed pre-match worsened; it came after his standout display in England’s 7-0 win over Croatia. Arsenal’s concerns also mount: Ezri Konsa withdrew from the England squad on Monday, with injuries affecting Christos Tzolis and Havertz—Tzolis suffered a hamstring while playing Greece vs the Netherlands, and Havertz was hurt in the same way against the Netherlands with Germany.

Liverpool’s situation looks worse, with Isak and Cody Gakpo picking up knocks for Sweden and the Netherlands. There’s also a setback at Man City where the only England players to start all four Nations League matches were Elliot Anderson and Marc Guéhi, while Nico O’Reilly withdrew halfway through.

Elsewhere in England and Europe, the list keeps growing: Sunderland will be without Brian Brobbey and Dan Ballard due to strains from international games. Bayern Munich have lost Jamal Musiala with a torn muscle in his right thigh after Germany duty.