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Why Haaland Isn't Playing? Key Players Missing Euro 2024 in Germany

Why Haaland Isn't Playing? Key Players Missing Euro 2024 in Germany

From Norway's Erling Haaland to England's Marcus Rashford, discover the star players who won't be part of Euro 2024.

The UEFA Euro 2024 Championship kicks off on June 14, featuring 24 teams vying to become the champions of Europe.

Before the tournament starts, Al Jazeera examines some notable players who won't be participating in the event held in Germany.

Norway's Failed Qualification Keeps Stars Away from Euros

Arsenal's captain Martin Odegaard narrowly missed clinching the 2023-24 Premier League title, a victory his friend Erling Haaland celebrated with Manchester City. Despite their success in the Premier League, both will miss the European summer, as Norway failed to qualify for Euro 2024.

Norway's bid for the tournament was dashed despite both Odegaard and Haaland's stellar performances. Haaland scored six goals during the qualifiers, but it wasn’t enough as Norway finished third in their qualifying group behind Spain and Scotland and also lost their playoff chance.

Even a talented squad featuring players like Fredrik Aursnes, Oscar Bobb, and Julian Ryerson didn't secure Norway's spot, making their absence a major surprise and disappointment for fans.

Manchester United Players Left Out of England Squad

Marcus Rashford was left out of Gareth Southgate’s squad following a poor season. Rashford only netted eight goals across 43 games in the 2023-24 season, a significant drop from his previous tally of 30 goals. His exclusion came as a shock to English fans.

Jadon Sancho also didn't make the cut after struggling at Manchester United. Though he regained form with a loan to Borussia Dortmund, it was too late for a call-up. England will miss both these players in Euro 2024.

Pogba's Absence a Blow for France

Paul Pogba, a key player in France’s 2018 World Cup win, will miss Euro 2024 due to a doping ban lasting until September 2027. Despite recovering from injuries, the Juventus midfielder tested positive for a banned substance, effectively ruling him out from the French national team until age 34. France will miss his presence in the midfield.

Alaba to Attend Euros but won't Play Due to Injury

Austria’s David Alaba was left out of coach Ralf Rangnick’s squad due to an injury. However, he will travel with the team to Germany and act as a "nonplaying captain." Alaba, who played in the 2016 and 2020 Euros, wanted to support his team despite his ACL injury. Austria aims to advance from a tough group featuring France, Poland, and the Netherlands.

Spain Loses Gavi to Injury

Spain's Gavi, a regular for Barcelona, will miss Euro 2024 due to an ACL injury sustained in a match against Georgia. His absence will be felt, but Spain has a balanced squad ready to fill the gap left by the young midfielder.

Follow the action on Al Jazeera’s dedicated Euro 2024 page, which includes match build-up, live commentary, group standings, and real-time match results and schedules.

Source: ALJAZEERA
Source: ALJAZEERA

ALJAZEERA MEDIA NETWORK

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