Evan Ferguson's hopes of being involved in the Republic of Ireland's crucial World Cup play-off semi-final against Czech Republic later this month have become more doubtful.
The AS Roma loanee has been sidelined with an ankle issue since late January. With the Boys in Green's Prague fixture looming on Thursday, 26 March, the 21-year-old was already facing a race against time to be fit enough for inclusion in Heimir Hallgrimsson's squad.
However, Rome daily La Republicca has reported that Ferguson has been back at his parent club Brighton and Hove Albion for a medical assessment to examine whether surgery will be required, which could curtail his season.
It comes a fortnight after he had first been over to visit the Seagulls' medical team.
Ireland boss Halgrimsson would be loath to lose another key player to injury ahead of the Czech game and a potential qualification clincher at Aviva Stadium should they win in Prague.
Burnley midfielder Josh Cullen is definitely out after sustaining an ACL knee injury at the end of December, while winger Mikey Johnston was the latest to be ruled out due to a stress fracture to his ankle.
Adam Idah has also been sidelined with a hamstring injury since December.
Defender Liam Scales and wing-back Festy Ebosele are suspended for the trip to Prague.
Meanwhile, the Czechs have concerns over the fitness of their star striker Patrik Schick.
The Bayer Leverkusen forward missed his club's Bundesliga fixture at Hamburg on Wednesday due to a muscular injury and the timescale for his return is unclear.
The 30-year-old has scored 24 times for his country in 50 caps, and has scored 13 goals for Leverkusen across all competitions this season, including four in the Champions League.
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