The delayed European Championship 2020 is upon us, and though not all squads have been released, we have seen big players missing out. In this post, we look at the biggest names to not be competing in the tournament due to injury, or otherwise.
5. Theo Hernandez
The AC Milan left-back has been among the best in the league in his position. Moreover, his influential nature for Milan has made him one of the first names on the team sheet. However, despite being fit, Didier Deschamps has decided to drop Hernandez from the squad.
4. Marco Reus
The 31-year-old Dortmund star ruled himself out after a very draining season to rest himself and prepare for the upcoming campaign. His fellow Germans, Thomas Muller and Mats Hummels have won call ups for the national team in his absence.
3. Zlatan Ibrahimovic
The Swedish striker returned to the national team for the World Cup qualifiers earlier this year after retiring in 2018, but sustained an injury with AC Milan that will keep him out of the competition. Zlatan recently signed a contract extension with Milan that will see him play for the club when he is 40, and could very well play for Sweden in the World Cup next year.
2. Marc-Andre Ter Stegen
The German withdrew from the Euro 2020 squad, deciding to go for surgery on his knee in Sweden instead. Barcelona themselves have had to endure a difficult campaign, and this will give Ter Stegen plenty of time to come back fit and stronger.
1. Virgil Van Dijk
The Dutch centre-back has been injured for the majority of the season, and will miss the European Championships as well, opting to rest and return to full fitness with a complete preseason for Liverpool instead. The Netherlands will be without one of their best players in Van Dijk, but will be hoping to do their best regardless.