Martin O'Neill has to deal with the lengthiest list of injuries he's had during his tenure as Ireland manager for Friday's important World Cup qualifier against Wales.
O'Neill trimmed his squad from 39 to 28 on Sunday. Six of those cut were due to injury.
Harry Arter, Rob Elliot, Paul McShane, Ciaran Clark, Liam Kelly and David McGoldrick were all ruled out for the game at the Aviva.
On Monday afternoon, the news got even worse. Due to an injury picked up while playing for Norwich at the weekend. Wes Hoolahan will be unavailable for selection. The 34-year-old was substituted after just 30 minutes of Norwich's 2-0 win against Barnsley on Saturday because of a thigh strain.
Martin O'Neill: Wes Hoolahan will be out of the game. The scan came back this morning. It's bad news for us and for his club. #COYBIG
— FAIreland (@FAIreland) March 20, 2017
Ireland go into the game looking threadbare in both defence and attack. The former due to injuries, the latter because of a general lack of options.
Worryingly, Daryl Murphy is also now a doubt for the game. O'Neill said the Newcastle striker had not yet ruled himself out. However, he will have to undergo a scan.
"How long have you got?" - Martin O'Neill discusses the longest injury list he can remember in his time as Ireland manager. #rtesoccer pic.twitter.com/eJe9y0GkN4
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) March 20, 2017
Seamus Coleman has also picked up an ankle knock. It does sound like the Ireland captain will be available for Friday's game. James McCarthy is also a doubt for the game.
Martin O'Neill: Seamus Coleman has picked up a knock. If he doesn't train tomorrow he'll train Wednesday. We'll see how James McCarthy is.
— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) March 20, 2017
With Shane Duffy and Robbie Brady, due to injury and suspension, respectively, already unavailable, Ireland's task on Friday looks an extremely tough one.
Photo by David Maher/Sportsfile
