Marc Guehi to Miss England’s World Cup Qualifiers Due to Injury

England defender Marc Guehi is set to miss the national team’s final two World Cup qualifying matches after sustaining a foot injury during Crystal Palace’s 3–1 Europa Conference League victory over AZ Alkmaar on Thursday.

Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed on Sunday that the 24-year-old centre-back suffered a heavy bone bruise, which has left him unable to walk.

“Overnight he couldn’t sleep due to the pain,” Glasner told reporters before Palace’s Premier League clash with Brighton. “The next day’s scans revealed a significant bone bruise. He’s been on crutches for two days and can’t put weight on his foot. Fortunately, there’s no fracture, but right now he cannot walk.”

The injury occurred late in the match in Alkmaar, moments after Guehi was booked for a foul. According to Glasner, the recovery process could take up to two weeks, with hopes that he will return to training within 10–14 days.

“It looks like he’ll miss England’s upcoming matches, but we’re optimistic he’ll be back soon,” Glasner added.

England, having already secured qualification for next year’s FIFA World Cup, will host Serbia at Wembley on Thursday before travelling to Tirana to face Albania on Sunday.

Manager Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the international window includes John Stones, Ezri Konsa, and Jarell Quansah among the defensive options, but Guehi’s absence will be a notable setback given his consistent form under Glasner this season.