Ireland’s Group D rivals Germany will be without two key players for their final Euro 2016 qualifier against Georgia.
Bayern Munich midfielder Mario Goetze has been ruled out for up to three months by the groin injury he picked up in the historic 1-0 loss to Ireland on Thursday.
Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger also looks likely to miss out.
Goetze had to come off during the first half of the France’ 16 qualifier at the Aviva Stadium and statements on the German team and Bayern's websites on Friday said he would be sidelined for 10-to-12 weeks as a result.
His club said: "The 23-year-old was diagnosed on Friday with a ruptured muscle tendon in the groin."
Goetze scored the extra-time winner against Argentina in last year's World Cup final in Brazil.
He is now being treated by the national side's medical team in Leipzig, where pool leaders Germany play Georgia in their final Group D game on Sunday.
"It's annoying for us and a real shame for him," said Germany boss Joachim Low.
"We wish him a good and speedy recovery. I am sure that he will be able to pick up his form again once he returns."
The setback means Goetze will miss both of his club's forthcoming Champions League matches against Arsenal.
Meanwhile a thigh injury means Schweinsteiger isn’t likely to figure against Georgia game, which could be more good news for the Boys in Green.
The 31-year-old sat out the Ireland match, with a message on the German team's official Twitter account saying: "@BSchweinsteiger picked up an injury during the pre-match warm-up and will miss the game."
Low said: "For Bastian Schweinsteiger we'll have to wait and see. The chances are slim though.
"The medical staff said two or three days' rest.”
Ireland can still top the group ahead of the world champions with a win over Poland on Sunday, if Germany fail to win in Leipzig on Sunday.
A high-scoring draw would even be enough for Martin O’Neill’s team to finish at the head of the table if the Germans lose.
If Ireland lose or finish with a scoreless of 1-1 draw with Poland they will finish third and enter the play-offs.
