A Republic of Ireland player has tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of the Nations League clash with Wales, the FAI has confirmed.
Ryan Giggs' side take on Ireland in Sunday's Nations League match in Dublin, however the hosts have been dealt an 11th-hour blow on the eve of the match.
The FAI in a statement claimed that one player tested positive following a round of coronavirus testing on Friday, with a further four players subsequently ruled out, having been deemed 'close contacts' to the infected player.
The said the player did not feature in Ireland's Euro 2020 play-off semi-final against Slovakia, which they lost on penalties, on Thursday.
The Irish Examiner claims the four players deemed close contacts are John Egan, Callum Robinson, Callum O'Dowda and Alan Browne, all of whom, he says, were due to be named in Sunday's starting lineup.
Adam Idah and Aaron Connolly are also unavailable as they were adjudged to be close contacts of a staff member who tested positive in Bratislava on Wednesday.
The FAI said in a statement: "A player – who cannot be named at this time - tested positive on Friday after a negative test on Monday but his case is not related in any way to that of the backroom team member who tested positive on Monday last.
"Talks with the HSE late last night identified four other players as close contacts of this positive case and they have been stood down from the matchday squad for today’s game against Wales."
UEFA stipulate that games must proceed in the international window if there are 13 squad members available.
Team news is due at 12.30pm. Live updates of the build-up and match can be found here.
