David McGoldrick has been ruled out of the Republic of Ireland's huge Euro 2020 qualifier against Switzerland on Tuesday night.
Mick McCarthy was holding out hope that the Sheffield United frontman would be able to play some part in Geneva, despite missing out on the Georgia stalemate due to a groin problem.
The manager was boosted by the presence of Shane Duffy in Tbilisi after the Brighton defender overcame a calf injury to make the plane and subsequently play the full 90 minutes.
However McGoldrick was always a bigger concern, and though McCarthy had given him a glimmer of hope, it's now been confirmed that he will not link up with the squad for the penultimate Group D qualifier.
James Collins led the line against Georgia for 79 minutes before being replaced by Aaron Connolly, who impressed on his senior debut.
Scott Hogan and Sean Maguire were both unused while Callum Robinson was deployed in a wider role on the right so McCarthy has options as he looks to plunder a win that would seal qualification to next summer's tournament.
Nonetheless, McGoldrick's absence is a blow. He scored the equaliser against the Swiss in Dublin and has been an intelligent, hard-working focal point in attack throughout the campaign.
How McCarthy sets up his side up remains to be seen, but he must now do so without a trusted and key man.
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