Conor Hourihane and Callum O’Dowda are major injury doubts for Ireland ahead of Wednesday’s opening World Cup qualifier in Serbia.
Hourihane lasted just 18 minutes of Swansea City’s Championship defeat to Mick McCarthty’s Cardiff City today.
And O’Dowda, who has only returned from a three-month layoff, was in tears coming off in the 88th minute of Bristol City’s defeat to Rotherham.
The exact nature of the injuries was unclear tonight.
Hourihane, who is on loan at the Swans from Aston Villa, has been in great form and looked nailed on to start for the Boys in Green in Belgrade.
The news is yet another hammer blow for Ireland boss Stephen Kenny who is already without key men in John Egan, Darren Randolph, James McCarthy and Harry Arter.
Adam Idah and Jack Byrne were also ruled out while doubts remain over Caoimhim Kelleher and James McClean. Aaron Connolly has a rib injury but should be fit.
The Ireland squad gathers in Manchester this evening ahead of their first training session on Monday and the team flight that afternoon.
Republic of Ireland squad - Serbia, Luxembourg & Qatar
Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Gavin Bazunu (Rochdale, on loan from Manchester City), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth), Kieran O'Hara (Burton Albion).
Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Shane Duffy (Celtic, on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United), Kevin Long (Burnley), Ciaran Clark (Newcastle United), Dara O'Shea (West Bromwich Albion), Ryan Manning (Swansea City), Cyrus Christie (Nottingham Forest).
Midfielders: Conor Hourihane (Swansea City, on loan from Aston Villa), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle United), Jayson Molumby (Preston North End, on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion), Jason Knight (Derby County), Josh Cullen (Anderlecht).
Wingers: Robbie Brady (Burnley), James McClean (Stoke City), Daryl Horgan (Wycombe Wanderers), Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth), Callum O'Dowda (Bristol City).
Strikers: Callum Robinson (West Bromwich Albion), Aaron Connolly (Brighton and Hove Albion), Shane Long (AFC Bournemouth, on loan from Southampton), James Collins (Luton Town), Troy Parrott (Ipswich Town, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur).
