Republic of Ireland left-back Enda Stevens is set to miss September's 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with the defender expected to be out of action for up to six weeks.
Sheffield United manager Slavisa Jokanvoic suggested that Stevens could undergo surgery on a knee problem.
"Enda will still be a few weeks out. We are thinking too about some surgery and at the moment, we still waiting for his comeback," said Jokanovic.
"We are thinking he can be available with us during the international break or it can be after the international break. We are thinking about 4-6 weeks."
Ireland face Portugal away on 1 September, before taking on Azerbaijan and Serbia at the Aviva Stadium on 4 and 7 September respectively.
The Boys in Green are currently second bottom of Group A after opening defeats against the Serbs in Belgrade and Luxembourg in Dublin.
