'We don't have a Gareth Bale' declared Martin O'Neill following Ireland's Euro 2016 adventure. The World Cup qualifiers were obviously on his mind.
But, what if Wales don't have a Gareth Bale either?
Ireland vs Wales at the Aviva next year is going to be a crucial game. The result could go a long way to deciding which teams qualify from the group.
Today, the Mail are reporting that Gareth Bale - by far his country's most important player - is expected to be out injured for four months.
BREAKING: Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale out for up to four months with ankle injury. More to come. pic.twitter.com/Pa7sZyeVy9
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) November 24, 2016
To be more specific, it's the 'traumatic dislocation of the peroneal tendons of his right ankle' which Bale has sustained. He is scheduled to undergo surgery on Tuesday.
Coincidentally, it's four months to the day until Ireland play Wales.
On this week's Monday Night Football, Bale's importance to Wales was highlighted. Since Chris Coleman took over as Welsh manager four years ago, Bale has scored an incredible 55% of his side's goals in competitive games.
Ireland up ten places in the World Rankings and the possibility of Bale not being available to face Ireland - it's been a decent day for Martin O'Neill.
