Premier League clubs fear for England players due to ‘dangerous’ North Macedonia pitch

Premier League clubs are sweating on the fitness of their stars on international duty with England ahead of their clash with North Macedonia this week.

According to the Telegraph, clubs are concerned over North Macedonia’s controversial Tose Proeski stadium, which Italy striker Ciro Immobile worryingly branded ‘dangerous’.

Even North Macedonian players are unhappy with the pitch, with Napoli star Eljif Elmas referring to the surface as shameful.

The pitch was so bad that after the 1-1 draw with Italy in September, North Macedonia had to send an apology to the Azzurri for the state of their pitch.

UEFA banned the use of the former surface for European games. North Macedonia have since relayed the turf, but there are still concerns for English top-flight clubs.

They are collectively holding their breath, hoping their players return to them fit as we head into the busy festive period.

There has already been a massive surge in injuries this campaign, with several Premier League managers criticising the hectic schedule.

Premier League clubs will be hoping that the new surface will go a long way to protect their players from injuries in a meaningless game.

The Three Lions have already booked their place at the 2024 European Championship in Germany.

England trained in London before travelling to North Macedonia yesterday, and manager Gareth Southgate has not had the chance to see the pitch.

Southgate said: “I know they’ve relaid it. I would imagine it hasn’t quite knitted, but we’ll see.”