Football players in Europe are grabbing the chance to make their case for a spot in the squads that will compete in Euro 2024 as the March international break approaches.
However, amidst the excitement, some players are already facing the harsh reality of missing out on the prestigious tournament for different reasons.
Pulse Sports takes a look at some of the players who could miss out on the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament.
21:55 - 26.03.2024
Asisat Oshoala missing in top 10 Best women's football players in 2024
The selection considers individual triumphs, on-field dominance, contributions to their teams, and overall impact at both club and national levels in the past year and the ongoing 2023–24 season.
20:38 - 25.03.2024
Mbappe, Haaland, Bellingham and the top 10 highest-paid players in Europe in 2024
Players from the Manchester clubs and Real Madrid dominate the list of the top 10 highest-earning players in Europe in 2024
Thibaut Courtois
Belgium's vice-captain and goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, finds himself in a challenging situation as he grapples with injuries. With lots of senior international caps under his belt, Courtois had hoped to make a mark at Euro 2024.
However, his dreams took a hit with an ACL tear followed by a meniscus tear, leaving him sidelined and paving the way for a battle among inexperienced keepers for a starting spot in Domenico Tedesco's team.
David Alaba
Real Madrid's David Alaba, a star for Austria with over a hundred caps to his name, faces disappointment as he navigates through an ACL tear suffered in December.
The injury casts a shadow over his chances of leading his national team in Germany. Despite his absence in a recent friendly against Slovakia, Austria managed a 2-0 victory, hinting at their resilience in the face of adversity.
Gavi
A young rising star in the footballing world, Barcelona's Gavi had been eyeing his first major tournament with Spain at Euro 2024.
However, a cruel twist of fate in the form of a cruciate ligament tear during a qualifier against Georgia dashes his hopes of participating in the tournament. The setback not only affects Gavi but also resonates deeply within the Spanish national team setup.
Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba, a France midfielder, known for his talent, faces a different kind of setback. After missing the 2022 World Cup due to injury, Pogba now handed a four-year ban following a failed drug test.
The ban sidelines him from Euro 2024, leaving him disheartened and vowing to appeal the decision as he maintains his innocence amidst the turmoil.
Sandro Tonali
Italy's Sandro Tonali finds himself in a similar predicament as Pogba, with different circumstances. Despite his talents on the field, Tonali faces suspension for breaching betting regulations, dimming his prospects of representing Italy in Euro 2024.
With his ban set to end in August 2024, Tonali eagerly awaits his return to football, hoping to redeem himself on the pitch.