Soccer

Jonathan Walters looks set to miss World Cup playoffs

The 34-year-old Ireland and Burnley forward is currently sidelined by a knee problem

Ireland’s Jon Walters in Cardiff ahead of the qualifier win over Wales. Photograph: Inpho

Wed Oct 11 2017 - 15:48

Jonathan Walters looks set to miss out on Ireland's World Cup play-off games, with reports claiming he will be out of action until at least Christmas.

The 34-year-old Burnley forward is currently sidelined by a knee problem.

It is understood he will not have recovered in time for the play-offs, the first legs of which will be staged between November 9th and 11th, with the return fixtures then taking place over the following three days.

As well as sitting out the Republic’s matches against Wales on Monday and Moldova last week, Walters, who Burnley signed from Stoke over the summer, has not been involved in the Clarets’ last two Premier League games.

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Burnley boss Sean Dyche said ahead of the October 1st victory at Everton: "Jon won't make it as we are still letting his knee calm down.

“The knee has flared up and there is a settling down period for that type of injury, so we are unsure on timescales.

“I think it will be a bit of a while; we’re not sure yet, but it’s not going to be days. It’ll be longer than that.”

The Republic of Ireland, managed by Martin O’Neill, will learn at next week’s draw whether they will face Switzerland, Italy, Croatia or Denmark in the play-offs.

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