Ireland face Croatia on Wednesday night in an international friendly but they are fast running out of central midfielders.
Adding to the already extensive injury list, midfielder Marc Wilson and striker Jon Walters have been ruled out of contention by the team doctor.
Seamus Coleman, Keith Fahey, James McCarthy, Keith Andrews and Damien Delaney all withdrew from the squad yesterday. And now Giovanni Trapttoni is faced with a midfield dilemma, as only Darron Gibson and Glenn Whelan are fit to operate in the centre of the park.
Other definite absentees include John O’Shea, Kevin Foley, Aiden McGeady, Kevin Kilbane, Liam Lawrence and Paul McShane.
Only Aston Villa defender Ciaran Clark has been called into the squad at short notice.
Ireland assistant manager Marco Tardelli is baffled by the injury crisis.
“We will try to win the match,” he said. “It’s very important for us because in September we have two very important games for the European Championship. I don’t know why all the Irish players get injured.”
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