Giovanni Trapattoni is already in the middle of an injury crisis ahead of next month’s crunch Euro qualifiers against Russia and Slovakia with striker Kevin Doyle a major doubt for both games.
Everton defender Seamus Coleman is definitely out of the Euro double header as he awaits a specialist’s verdict on a long term ankle injury picked up at the weekend.
The new international season begins with Wednesday night’s Aviva Stadium friendly against Croatia but already Doyle is a big worry for the September games that will decide Ireland’s Euro 2012 fate and Trap’s own future.
Wolves’ striker Doyle went back to his club on Wednesday after suffering a reaction to the knee injury that has kept him out of international action since March.
The Wexford native picked up a serious cruciate ligament injury in the Dublin qualifier against Macedonia and is now a doubt for the start of the Premier League with his club as well as for the international fixtures.
“Doyle not fit 100%,” admitted Trapattoni. With the doctor, we decided he goes back to his club. It is better the club decide whether he can play.
“I said before that we must be careful because this injury is bad psychologically. The ligament in the knee can be a dangerous injury. Two or three weeks or a month is usually not enough. Will he be fit for Slovakia? I hope so but it depends.”
Everton’s Donegal born star Coleman faces up to four months on the sidelines after injuring his ankle in a friendly against Villareal at the weekend.
“I am going to do everything possible to get back fit as soon as I can, I have got to stay positive,” said Coleman on Twitter.
“I’m disappointed to miss the start of season but injuries are part of football.”
Everton head physio Danny Donachie said: “Seamus has torn the lateral ligament in his right ankle. He will be visiting a specialist in London later this week for further assessment.’’
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