Seamus Coleman will almost certainly play no further part in Ireland's World Cup qualifying campaign as it has been confirmed that he has suffered a fracture of his right tibia and fibula. Coleman underwent surgery earlier today, as Martin O'Neill confirmed via a statement on the FAI website:
Seamus suffered a serious leg injury and has undergone surgery. He has had an exceptional season with both club and country, and he will be a big loss.
But Seamus is so mentally strong that when he has fully recovered he will be as brilliant as before.
The FAI make no reference to an expected recovery time, but the injury usually requires around nine months of convalescence, meaning Coleman is expected to be out until January or February next year, barring any further complications.
The FAI statement carried some words from John Delaney, too:
Seamus has been a terrific captain for his country, and on behalf of the FAI Board and everyone in the Association, I want to send Seamus our very best wishes.
We look forward to welcoming Seamus back to the Ireland team, following his recovery.
Ireland have sustained a number of separate injuries too, with Glenn Whelan, Jon Walters, John O'Shea, and James McCarthy have all returned to their clubs ahead of Tuesday's friendly with Iceland.
