Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr spoke with the Spurs medical team today and received confirmation Robbie Keane will not be fit in time for the crucial Euro 2004 qualifier against Russia next month.
"Having consulted with Tottenham and their medical/physio team I'm disappointed to hear that Robbie's injury is more serious than we first hoped and I accept that he will be unavailable to the club and ourselves for the near future," said Kerr who is still hopeful Keane will be fit in time for the Switzerland game.
"While his absence from the game with Russia is a huge disappointment and will make the task more difficult, we hope that Robbie can make a speedy recovery to play for his club and be available for our game with Switzerland in October".
Spurs' manager Glenn Hoddle has said the Irishman will be out of the game for at least a fortnight and in addition to missing the Republic's game against Russia that he would also miss three upcoming Premiership games against Leeds United, Liverpool and Fulham.
Keane picked up a ligament injury during the Republic's win in a friendly against Australia at Lansdowne Road on Tuesday.