[monks data]

Euro Champ Qualifying | Group Stage

Sep 7, 2023 at 7.45pm UK

Stade Municipal Georges Lefevre

France
2 - 0
Rep. Ireland

Tchouameni (19'), Thuram (48')
Hernandez (21'), Griezmann (87')

FT(HT: 1-0)

Cullen (47')

Sheffield United receive John Egan injury boost

By Carter White | 06 September 2023

Sheffield United's John Egan is training with his Republic of Ireland teammates ahead of their European Championship qualifiers, lessening fears of a possible injury.

Sheffield United defender John Egan has trained with Republic of Ireland ahead of their European Championship qualifiers against France and Netherlands over the international break.

The Blades' club captain has started all four of their Premier League matches so far, with Paul Heckingbottom's side only managing to earn a single point in their first quartet of contests.

That result arrived on Saturday afternoon at Bramall Lane against Sean Dyche's struggling Everton, who were unable to take maximum points back to Merseyside despite goals from Abdoulaye Doucoure and Arnaut Danjuma either side of the half-time whistle.

Egan featured for the entirety of the defeats against Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and champions Manchester City, however the 30-year-old was forced off after 68 minutes on the weekend due to a knock.

The Irishman was replaced by veteran centre-back Chris Basham in United's backline with just over 20 minutes remaining, and the Premier League newcomers managed to hold on for their maiden point of the campaign.

Sheffield United's Cameron Archer and Gustavo Hamer celebrate after Everton's Jordan Pickford scores an own goal and Sheffield United's second on September 2, 2023 © Reuters

Despite being substituted with an injury, Egan was named as part of Ireland's squad for Euro qualifiers against France and Netherlands during the season's first international break.

The defender was immediately sent by Stephen Kenny's men for a scan on his knee and ankle to determine the serious of his injury, however it is understood that the issue is not as bad as first feared.

Egan has since returned to training with his Irish's teammates, taking to the pitch in his homeland on Tuesday morning before turning out at Parc des Princes on Wednesday afternoon as Kenny's side step up their preparations for Thursday's clash with the 2018 World Cup winners.

Heckingbottom and everyone of a Sheffield United persuasion will be pleased that the centre-back is back in training following Saturday's knock, however the club will be hoping the issue is not reaggravated while on international duty.

John Egan celebrates scoring for the Republic of Ireland on September 24, 2022 © Reuters

Sheffield United already have a pair of long-term absentees within their defensive ranks, with Max Lowe and Ben Osborn sidelined due to ankle and groin injuries respectively.

The top-flight newbies moved late in the transfer window to recruit more backline options, seeing left-back Luke Thomas join from Championship club Leicester City on a season-long loan.

Should Egan be passed fit, the 30-year-old is fully expected to start for Kenny's side in Paris on Thursday night against France, with Ireland currently sitting third in their qualification group.

United will be hopeful that their captain will come through the international break unscathed, and subsequently ready to play a key part in the Blades' trip to Tottenham Hotspur on September 16.