Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu is set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering a thigh injury just days after his Stoke City debut.
The 23-year-old only joined the Potters on loan from Southampton during this month's transfer window. He went on to keep a clean sheet on his debut in a draw with QPR last Saturday.
But he then missed Wednesday night's 2-1 defeat to Middlesbrough and Stoke manager Mark Robins confirmed that he was now set for a six-week absence.
"I cannot believe how people are going down with the injuries they are," he told BBC Stoke & Staffordshire.
"It is biting us on the backside. Gavin Bazunu will be out for six weeks or so. We are paper thin."
Bazunu will hope to return to action before Ireland convene for the FIFA World Cup play-off against Czechia in Prague on 26 March.
A win against the Czechs would then set up a winner-takes-all fixture against Denmark or North Macedonia with a place at this summer's World Cup finals at stake.
Bazunu won the most recent of his 22 Ireland caps in a friendly against Switzerland in March 2024. But a combination of injuries and number one Caoimhín Kelleher's form has seen the Dubliner drop down the goalkeeping pecking order.
Meanwhile West Bromwich Albion have signed another Republic of Ireland international goalkeeper in Max O'Leary from Sky Bet Championship rivals Bristol City.
O’Leary, 29, joins on a short-term contract until the end of the season, having made over 150 league appearances for the Robins.
Republic of Ireland international O’Leary told the West Brom website: "I’m really happy to be here. It was time for something new and a fresh challenge.
"When I was told about the interest, it was a move I was keen on making. I know the position of the club is difficult at the moment in terms of the table, but hopefully I can come in and help."
