Hammer withdraws from national team

Emerson has been forced to withdraw from the Italy squad.

The Euro 2020 winners are not going into the blood-stained tournament in Qatar but they do have friendlies this week.

They are set to play Albania and Austria as they look to keep themselves fit and Emerson would usually have been involved in the games.

The Hammers left-back has won 28 caps for his country and has become a regular under the management of Roberto Mancini.

However, the Italian FA has now issued a statement, confirming that Emerson has not been included in the squad due to his injury issues.

Italy won’t play a competitive fixture until March of next year, when they face England in a European Championship qualifier ahead of the 2026 tournament.

Emerson has somewhat struggled to make a real impression at the London Stadium thus far but he will hope to return to fitness quickly as he aims to continue building himself up for the Premier League’s return on Boxing Day.