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The UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers are approaching as the European championship is scheduled to take place in Germany from June 14 to July 14, 2024. However, many star players from different countries have withdrawn their name from their opening two qualifying clashes due to injuries and other reasons.
While big names like Karim Benzema, Eden Hazard, Hugo Lloris, and Raphael Varane among others have already retired from the international duties, legendary players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have return to Portugal and Sweden squad respectively ahead of the qualifiers, set to begin from March 23, 2024.
All the 53 teams will play two matches each in their Euro 2024 qualifiers campaign in March and will look to grow their qualifying chances. A total of 23 teams will qualify for the UEFA Euro 2024 and join hosts Germany next year for the European glory.
Check some big names set to miss the opening two matchdays in Euro 2024 qualifiers:
Erling Haaland
The Norwegian wonderkid, Erling Haaland, who has already broken many records in the club football across all competitions, is set to miss Norway's opening two fixtures against Spain on Saturday and Georgia three days later. Haaland has scored 21 goals in 23 games for Norway but has yet to play at a major tournament and he has withdrawn from the qualifiers this month after suffering a groin injury.
Marcus Rashfor d
The top scorer in the European football this year across all competitions, Marcus Rashford has been showing metal in the Premier League and other competitions. However, the 25-year-old forward has been ruled out of the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers due to an injury sustained during Man United's FA Cup quarter-final win over Fulham on Sunday. Apart from Rashford, Nick Pope and Mason Mount are also ruled out of the European championship qualifiers.
England are scheduled to face Italy on March 23 and Ukraine on March 26 in the UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifiers.
Frenkie de Jong
Netherlands key midfielder Frenkie de Jong has withdrawn from the Euro 2024 qualifiers on Monday after suffering an injury on Sunday during Barcelona's 2-1 El Clasico win at the Camp Nou. PSV Eindhoven midfielder Joey Veerman is set to replace injured De Jong in the squad for Netherlands' opening two matches. The Dutch side will travel to Paris to face France on Friday, followed by a home game against Gibraltar on Monday.
Pedri
The 20-year-old Spanish midfield sensation has been out of action for Barcelona since their 2-2 home draw with Manchester United in the Europa League. Barcelona midfielder Pedri injured his hamstring in the match and hasn't return to the field since then. The 2021 Golden Boy will miss Spain's opening two Euro 2024 qualifiers matches against Norway on Saturday, before traveling to Scotland on March 28.
Federico Chiesa
Juventus winger Federico Chiesa limped off after coming on as a substitute during Juventus' 1-0 away win against Inter Milan in the Serie A on Sunday night. Although, his knee showed no injury after the examination, but the club believe the 25-year-old forward need rest. This has led to his withdrawal from the Italian squad for their opening two Euro 2024 qualifiers fixtures against England in Naples on Thursday, following their Sunday clash against Malta.
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