Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has said the Seamus Coleman's surgery has been a success.
The Irish captain suffered a double break in his right leg, after being tackled by Wales defender Neil Taylor on Friday night in the 0-0 at the Aviva Stadium.
Coleman will miss the rest of the season, due to the injury. He may not return to action the latter stages of 2017, or 2018.
"He had the operation yesterday morning at 8:30am. That was successful.", O'Neill told BBC Radio 5 live on Sunday morning. "He has realised everything that has happened and is obviously very disappointed."
We'd like to send our best wishes to Seamus Coleman following his injury this evening. Get well soon, Seamus. #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/kYwcPBAsC0
— FAIreland (@FAIreland) March 24, 2017
"It will take some time to heal, it's a double break but it has been pinned up now and screwed in. I know the doctors and surgeons are all very, very pleased with the way the operation has gone and now it's time for recuperation."
"It's a devastating blow for the lad, he was having a phenomenal season at his club and a phenomenal season for us as captain."
O'Neill admitted he's not sure when Coleman will return, stating "even the doctors and surgeons wouldn't be terribly sure. Sometimes there are complications afterwards and injuries can be more prolonged, other times it can be clean and clear sailing."
The Republic of Ireland are joint-top of Group D after five games, on 11 points with Serbia. It's unlikely that Coleman will return in time for the remainders of the qualification campaign.
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