Kosovo vs Rep. Of Ireland: Nathan Collins Ruled Out
Published
Kosovo host Rep. Of Ireland in UEFA Nations League Matchweek 1 on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri in Prishtinë (Pristina), where the visitors arrive without captain Nathan Collins.
Ireland adapt to missing defenders and late withdrawals
Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson selected a 26-man squad without regular defensive starter Nathan Collins, who was ruled out of the entire international window after suffering a calf injury with Brentford. The travelling selection sustained further disruption over the weekend when midfielder Jamie McGrath and attacker Harvey Vale withdrew after pulling up during pre-match warm-ups for their respective clubs.
Hallgrimsson responded by calling up St Mirren midfielder Killian Phillips into the squad, while Sheffield United centre-back Liam Kitching earned his first senior call-up to reinforce the defensive line. The visitors also welcomed back Watford winger Rocco Vata and Cardiff City defender Joel Bagan following previous injury absences, while forward options include Adam Idah, Troy Parrott, Chiedozie Ogbene, and Tom Cannon.
Kosovo enter League B without Amir Rrahmani
Manager Franco Foda leads Kosovo into their first campaign in League B, having prepared for the group stage with a 3-0 victory against Andorra at Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri. However, the home side faces defensive restructuring of their own after captain Amir Rrahmani confirmed he will not take part.
The 13,500-capacity Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri hosts the encounter as both nations begin Group B3. Kosovo must replace the experience of Rrahmani in central defense, while Ireland enter the match with several players carrying recent knocks or rebuilding match fitness, including Jimmy Dunne, Bosun Lawal, and Owen Elding.
Our model leans towards a Kosovo win
Our model leans narrowly towards a Kosovo win in this opening group fixture. Ireland travel with disrupted preparation following late withdrawals for Jamie McGrath and Harvey Vale on top of Nathan Collins missing from central defence. Although Kosovo are missing captain Amir Rrahmani, home territory at Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri provides a slight edge against a revised Irish squad.
