Adam Idah is facing a race against time to be fit for Ireland’s World Cup play-off semi-final against Czechia in March after Swansea confirmed the striker could be sidelined for close to three months.

Adam Idah picked up a hamstring injury in training ahead of Swansea’s Championship clash with Coventry City on 26 December, an issue that has immediately cast doubt over his availability for Ireland’s most important fixture of the campaign.

Ireland Dealt Injury Blow As Star Faces Battle To Be Fit For Czechia Playoff

Speaking on Sunday, Swansea head coach Vítor Matos offered a cautious update on the 23-year-old’s recovery timeline.

It’s less worry than we thought which is good. But still it will be around three months, two months and a half, out. Let’s see.

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Ireland’s play-off semi-final in Prague is scheduled for 26 March, placing Idah firmly in doubt as things stand and leaving manager Heimir Hallgrímsson anxiously monitoring the striker’s rehabilitation.

Adam Idah has been an important figure for Ireland during the qualification campaign, most notably scoring a crucial equaliser in the opening group game at home to Hungary, a point that proved crucial come that glorious afternoon in Budapest.

Should Ireland overcome Czechia, they will host a decisive final against either Denmark or North Macedonia, with the winner earning a place at the World Cup in the United States. The successful nation would then head to America to compete in a group alongside Mexico, South Korea and South Africa.

The timing of Idah’s injury represents a second festive-period setback for Hallgrímsson, following confirmation that Josh Cullen suffered a cruciate ligament injury that will rule him out of the play-offs entirely.

With Ireland’s March window looming large, the hope will be that Idah’s recovery progresses at the quicker end of Swansea’s estimate. For now, though, one of Ireland’s most important attacking options remains in a race against the clock.

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