Mikey Johnston has been ruled out of the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup play-off with Czech Republic due to a stress fracture to his ankle.
Johnston’s club West Bromwich Albion confirmed he suffered the injury in last Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship match against Oxford United.
He sustained the break in the middle of the opening period at the Kassam Stadium before being substituted.
The Ireland international will see a specialist later this week to receive a full prognosis and discover a timescale for his return.
It is the latest blow to Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson, who was already without some attacking players for the play-off semi-final.
Evan Ferguson is almost certain to be out with another ankle problem, while Adam Idah is still recovering from a groin issue and has not played since December.
Festy Ebosele is suspended for the tie but would be available for a final.
In better news, Johnny Kenny scored his first Bolton Wanderers goal at the weekend and Chiedozie Ogbene played for Sheffield United Under-21 side yesterday as he searches for minutes after his own hamstring problem.
Sammie Szmodics could come back into contention.
Watch Netherlands v Republic of Ireland in World Cup qualifying on Saturday from 7.15pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on the RTÉ News App and on rte.ie/sport. Listen to live commentary on RTÉ Radio 1