Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill rates Jon Walters as “pretty doubtful” for Saturday’s Euro 2016 Group E match with Belgium in Bordeaux.
Speaking to FAI TV today about any injury concerns following the opener, O’Neill said: “Jon Walters obviously would be the main concern. I'd say he would be pretty doubtful for the second game.”
O’Neill revealed he only saw the second half of Italy’s win over Belgium but wasn’t surprised to see the Azzurri coming out of the blocks in such fashion against a fancied Belgian outfit.
“By the time we got back from the coach, the players and the backroom staff watched the second half so I haven't seen the first half in any sort of depth really. I will do so later today.
“I'll get an overview of that game. It was one of those games that you couldn't possibly predict. This idea that Italy are a has-been side has been totally negated.
"Italy are a tournament team. We know this from years and years of experience. They are a tournament side. They are a strong, strong footballing nation.
“They have very, very good players and they will be hard. Belgium have got a real set of individual players. It's whether they go and gel as a side or not but they have individuals capable of taking you on and beating you and they play in top-class company every single week.”
Ireland cancelled their scheduled training session at their Versailles base on Tuesday morning as the players instead were put through a light recovery session, but it is understood Walters was not involved as he underwent treatment.
He will hope his tournament is not over - he seems unlikely to figure against the Belgians in Bordeaux, but will keep his fingers crossed with Italy to come in Lille on 22 June - although his injury is a concern for O'Neill.
Ireland may have to win one of their remaining games if they are to force their way out of the group after passing up the opportunity to do that against the Swedes on a night when they played well enough to claim three points, but just could not hang on to their lead.
They came within 19 minutes of victory before they were pegged back by Ciaran Clark's own goal and while there was disappointment that two points went begging, there was also satisfaction and optimism after a promising display.
O'Neill said: "Three points would have been fantastic. Like anything, when the game goes 1-1 and it absolutely and utterly opens up as it did do, then there might be a possibility of losing it.
"But we were as positive as we could be, all our substitutions were positive to try to get the goal, so the players are disappointed, but certainly not downbeat. In fact, they are actually very proud of themselves."
