Why 20-year-old has withdrawn from England duty as Mauricio Pochettino welcomes Chelsea star back to Cobham

Levi Colwill will play no part in either of England’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia after withdrawing due to injury.

The Chelsea defender missed their 4-4 draw against Manchester City on Sunday evening because of a shoulder problem which he was unable to overcome in the build up to the thrilling Premier League clash.

“I don’t know? Jesus, Levi?” was Mauricio Pochettino‘s response when he was asked about the 20-year-old’s condition.

Colwill, though, joined up with the England camp at St. George’s Park on Monday when the squad arrived for their matches against Malta and North Macedonia this month.

However, on Tuesday, it was confirmed Colwill, along with Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham, would return back to his club to continue treatment for his shoulder injury.

An England statement read: “Jude Bellingham and Levi Colwill will play no part in England’s forthcoming UEFA EURO 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia.

“The pair arrived at St. George’s Park for assessments on Monday but will now return to Real Madrid and Chelsea respectively to continue their rehabilitation.”

Chelsea have two representatives in the England squad. Conor Gallagher was joined by Cole Palmer, who was promoted into the senior set-up for the first time after several injury withdrawals in the attacking positions.

Palmer will be hoping to make his England senior debut in the next week should Gareth Southgate require the Chelsea attacker who is in fine form following his summer transfer from Manchester City.

Pochettino will be hoping to have Colwill available to face Newcastle United next weekend when they return to domestic action.

The Chelsea head coach could also have Christopher Nkunku available after a lengthy knee injury lay-off. Nkunku won’t be rushed back but he is back in team training, offering hope to Pochettino that he could be ready to make the matchday squad against the Magpies.