Andrew Omobamidele requires a fitness test ahead of Ireland’s World Cup qualifier against Portugal tomorrow.
And midfielder Jayson Molumby has been ruled out of the game after tweaking his hamstring.
Ireland boss Stephen Kenny revealed that Omobamidele is carrying an Achilles injury from Norwich City’s win over Brentford on Saturday.
Ahead of Ireland’s training session at Aviva Stadium this evening, Kenny said: “He got a kick in the Achilles at the weekend and has been sore.
“I can’t say I’m optimistic, but we’ll just have to wait and see.”
Kenny may hand Burnley’s Nathan Collins a second cap and first Ireland start in a like-for-like replacement at centre-back.
Skipper Seamus Coleman could also be deployed on the right side of a back three.
But the Everton ace wasn’t put up for the pre-match press conference - Jeff Hendrick was - suggesting he could be held in reserve for Sunday’s game in Luxembourg.
That game is arguably more important to Kenny and his pursuit of a new contract and he said last week that it was unlikely Coleman could start in both matches.
The Ireland captain, 33, missed last month’s international window with a recurrence of ongoing hamstring issues that have to be taken into account again.
Quizzed on Collins starting if Omobamidele misses out, Kenny said: “He has done very well and is in contention, that’s for sure.
“It’s an area where we have three emerging players in that position. Dara O’Shea is out injured but it’s great for our future.
“Andrew Omobamidele has been excellent since making his debut and is looking so natural at this level.”
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
.png?w=600)
