James McClean has emerged as a injury concern for the Irish management team ahead of the World Cup qualifier away to Austria this Saturday.
He hurt his back while training with West Brom and sat out Tuesday's session.
McClean could yet join a lenghty injury injury list which includes Shane Long, James McCarthy, Stephen Ward, Cyrus Christie, Daryl Murphy and Stephen Quinn.
There is also some doubt about John O'Shea who join the squad later today.
Commenting on the latest injury setback, assistant manager Roy Keane said: "I never like when I hear players with tweaks in and around the back area.
"The back — it’s not a good area. If you said to me he got a kick on his knee or his ankle, that’s fine. But tweaks in backs, I don’t like the sound of it.
“I suppose the plus was he didn’t get injured on our watch so we can’t get the blame for it."
James McClean scored twice in the 3-1 win over Moldova last month and his unavailability would lessen further the attacking options for the game in Vienna, with Shane Long and Daryl Murphy also not available.
Watch live coverage of Austria v Republic of Ireland on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player from 1600. Live also on RTÉ Radio 1 on Saturday Sport.
