Republic of Ireland boss Martin O’Neill may have to plan for next month's World Cup qualifying match against Austria without midfielder James McCarthy.
A report in the Telegraph claims the Everton player broke down in training with a hamstring injury and faces at least three weeks on the sidelines.
Ireland, who sit second on the Group D table, visit Austria on 12 November.
McCarthy, 25, started both of Ireland’s games against Georgia and Moldova earlier this month despite not having trained with Everton in the build-up as he recovered from a hernia operation.
At the time, Toffees boss Ronald Koeman criticised O’Neill for overloading the former Wigan player, who was substituted after 33 minutes of the Premier League draw with Manchester City on 15 October.
Shane Long is also facing a race against time after picking up an injury during Southampton’s Europa League loss to Inter Milan last week.
