Euro 2024 Quarter-Finals: Key Absences and Team Updates

As the Euro 2024 quarter-finals commence, several teams face significant challenges due to suspensions and injuries. Here’s a comprehensive rundown of the latest team news and key absences:

Germany vs. Spain (Stuttgart)

Germany

• Returning Player: Jonathan Tah, who was suspended for the last-16 match against Denmark, is available and could replace Nico Schlotterbeck as Antonio Rudiger’s centre-back partner.
• No New Concerns: The hosts have a full squad available.

Spain

• Full Squad Available: Spain has no injury or suspension worries and may field the same team that defeated Georgia 4-1.

France vs. Portugal (Hamburg)

France

• Suspended: Adrien Rabiot is suspended due to a booking in the match against Belgium, presenting a significant setback for the French midfield.
• Uncertain: Kingsley Coman’s availability is uncertain as he left the camp to attend the birth of his fourth child.

Portugal

• Full Squad Available: No new injury concerns. Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to lead the attack, with questions remaining about his role in taking free-kicks and penalties.

England vs. Switzerland (Dusseldorf)

England

• Suspended: Marc Guehi will miss the match due to suspension. Ezri Konsa is expected to replace him in the lineup.
• Injured: Kieran Trippier, who was injured against Slovakia, is expected to be fit but might prompt a change in formation to a back three.
• Formation Change: Gareth Southgate may opt for a back three, with Luke Shaw potentially getting some game time off the bench.
• No Ban for Bellingham: Despite an investigation by UEFA, Jude Bellingham will not be banned for the match.

Switzerland

• Fitness Concerns: Granit Xhaka, who had an abductor problem, is now fit and ready to play.

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Netherlands vs. Turkey (Berlin)

Netherlands

• Full Squad Available: No injuries or suspensions. Donyell Malen, who scored twice as a substitute against Romania, may replace Steven Bergwijn in the starting lineup.

Turkey

• Returning Players: Samet Akaydin and Hakan Calhanoglu are available after serving suspensions.
• New Suspensions: Kokcu and Ismail Yuksek are banned.
• Potential Ban: Merih Demiral, who scored both goals against Austria, is under scrutiny for allegedly making a political gesture post-match. UEFA is investigating the incident.

Match Highlights and Expectations

• Germany vs. Spain: Both teams are at full strength, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter in Stuttgart.
• France vs. Portugal: The absence of Rabiot and potential absence of Coman may impact France’s dynamics, but the match-up between Mbappe and Ronaldo promises excitement.
• England vs. Switzerland: England faces a tough challenge without Guehi, and a potential formation change may influence their performance against a strong Swiss side.
• Netherlands vs. Turkey: With both teams making adjustments, the match in Berlin could be highly competitive.

The quarter-finals are poised to deliver intense and thrilling matches as teams battle for a spot in the semi-finals.