david_smith
Shane Duffy has been ruled out of Ireland’s crucial upcoming World Cup qualifier against Wales on March 24th.
The 25 year broke his metatarsal in Brighton’s 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, and the centre half is expected to be unavailable for at least six weeks.
“He’s fractured his fifth metatarsal and will have an operation probably tomorrow,†Brighton boss Chris Hughton explained.
“We’re probably looking at a minimum of six weeks. He’s a big loss.”
Duffy has been a key part of Brighton’s defence since his summer switch from Blackburn, and will be missed by the Seagulls as they battle for automatic promotion, and has started Ireland’s last three World Cup qualifiers after some impressive performances at Euro 2016.
Martin O’Neill will now likely choose two centre halves from the trio of Richard Keogh, John O’Shea and Ciaran Clark for the visit of Chris Coleman’s side.
Robbie Brady will also miss the pivotal Group D encounter at the Aviva Stadium through suspension after picking up a yellow card in Vienna last time out.
Martin O’Neill will name his squad next Monday.
