JON WALTERS MAY still have a slim chance of being involved in Ireland’s World Cup play-off.
Yesterday, it was reported that the 34-year-old forward was set to miss next month’s two-legged tie with either Switzerland, Denmark, Croatia or Italy due to a knee injury.
The Boys in Green will discover their opponent at Tuesday’s draw in Zurich.
Walters didn’t feature in the 1-0 win over Wales on Monday and Burnley were not putting a timeframe on his return.
Speaking earlier today, however, Clartets boss Sean Dyche gave a relatively positive update on the issue.
“We said over the last couple of weeks that we’re getting a specialist view on it and it needed a period to calm down,” Dyche said in his press conference. “It’s a historical injury and it’s just wear-and-tear.
“We are still not putting timescales on it. But it won’t be days, it will be weeks. We are hopeful it will settle down quickly. It already is.
Once it has settled down it needs strength in the knee and that’s where we’re at.”
Walters joined up with Ireland for the trip to Cardiff and Dyche had no problem with his involvement as it was agreed that he would not play any part.
“There was nothing he could do [with Ireland] that would comprise his rehab at the moment,” Dyche added.
“I think the lines of communication between clubs and country seem a lot more open. Jon has been important to the group there, so I think there was a bit of that — having another good professional in among the group.
“It was clear to everyone he wasn’t going to play so there is absolutely no issue. There was good information shared by both sides.”
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