Updated 13.25
MARTIN O’NEILL WILL not be able to call upon two of his first team regulars for Friday’s friendly game with Switzerland as Jon Walters and Jeff Hendrick have been ruled out.
Stoke forward Walters, who was crowned FAI Senior Player of the Year on Sunday, sat out training on Monday and Tuesday due to a hamstring problem in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Watford — a game in which he scored the opening goal.
He has gone home for a couple of days but will return to be with the squad for the first match and will possibly be involved against Switzerland on Tuesday.
Derby’s Hendrick also didn’t play any part in either session due to a shoulder injury and he has returned to his club for treatment.
“Jeff has got a shoulder injury that he has had to deal with for a number of weeks now, so we thought best for him to go back and get sorted out at club level,” O’Neill said.
“Jon thought it might be best to go home for a day or two. He’ll be back for Friday night to watch the game but I think he’ll be available for Tuesday.”
Yesterday, it was revealed that Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter will be absent through an Achilles injury but the good news today was that Robbie Brady and Shane Long both returned to training. Robbie Keane remained on the sidelines but it is to be precautionary.
Meanwhile, Ireland U21 midfielder Jack Byrne took part once again this morning but he will link up with Noel King’s U21s for tomorrow’s Euro qualifier against Italy in Waterford.
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