Orkun Kökçü Withdraws from Türkiye Squad Ahead of Belgium and Italy Matches
Türkiye have made a change to their squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures after Orkun Kökçü’s toe pain worsened following the team’s match against Italy in Bursa.
The midfielder has been removed from the national team’s selection, with the decision taken ahead of two demanding Group 1 games in League A. Türkiye are due to face Belgium away on 2 October and meet Italy on 5 October.
Kökçü’s discomfort increased after the Bursa fixture against Italy. The national team’s medical staff considered it more appropriate for him to leave the squad and continue his treatment with his club rather than remain with the team during the international camp.
No further details about the nature or severity of the toe problem were provided. The announcement also did not specify how long Kökçü is expected to be unavailable or whether his club will issue a separate update after assessing him.
His withdrawal leaves Türkiye without one of the midfield options originally selected for the two Nations League matches. The coaching staff will now have to work with the remaining players in the squad as preparations continue for the trip to Belgium and the subsequent game against Italy.
The timing of the change gives the team limited time to adjust before the first fixture. A match away to Belgium will test Türkiye’s ability to maintain balance in midfield, while the meeting with Italy offers a second opportunity to earn points in a tightly scheduled international window.
At this stage, there has been no confirmed information about a replacement for Kökçü. Any decision to call up another player would be a separate matter and should not be assumed unless the national team announces it.
For Kökçü, continuing treatment at club level means his recovery can be assessed by the medical staff who work with him regularly. The immediate priority will be to manage the toe pain and establish whether he can return to training without aggravating the problem.
The withdrawal is a setback for Türkiye’s preparations, but it also reflects a cautious approach to a developing injury. With two fixtures scheduled within a few days, the team must weigh the importance of having Kökçü available against the risk of worsening his condition.
Türkiye’s Nations League campaign will continue with the away match against Belgium on 2 October, followed by the home meeting with Italy on 5 October. The squad change was reported on 30 September 2026.