Republic of Ireland captain Seamus Coleman has been ruled out of his side's World Cup Qualifier against Serbia on Tuesday.
It was announced on Sunday night that the Irish captain suffered an injury against Azerbaijan and will not be fit for their upcoming clash with Serbia in the Aviva.
Fulham's Cyrus Christie has been called into the squad in Coleman's place, and will link up with the team on Monday.
Squad Update | Skipper Coleman ruled out
Seamus Coleman has been ruled out of the Serbia qualifier due to injury
Cyrus Christie has been called up and will link up with the squad tomorrow #COYBIG | #WeAreOne | #IRLAZE pic.twitter.com/UnXvldBeIQ— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) September 5, 2021
Ireland failed to overcome the 112th ranked team in the world on Saturday, drawing 1-1 to Azerbaijan only three days after a strong performance against Portugal.
Were it not for two late goals from international football's top goal-scorer Cristiano Ronaldo, Ireland may well have beaten the eighth-ranked Portugal on Wednesday.
However, after Saturday's draw Ireland manager Stephen Kenny is in dire need of a good performance against Serbia, not only for his own sake, but for the sake the future of Irish football.
Coleman's injury, however, will be another obstacle for Kenny, in a tenure that has already seen much disruption due to COVID in the squad, COVID-affected matches and schedules, as well as reduced training time.
WATCH: Vinny Perth and Gavin Cummiskey review the Irish performance against Azerbaijan:
Republic of Ireland Squad
Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Gavin Bazunu (Portsmouth, on loan from Manchester City), James Talbot (Bohemians)
Defenders: Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Shane Duffy (Brighton and Hove Albion), John Egan (Sheffield United), Ryan Manning (Swansea City), James McClean (Wigan Athletic), Andrew Omobamidele (Norwich City), Liam Scales (Celtic), Cyrus Christie (Fulham)
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Anderlecht), Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle United), Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Harry Arter (Nottingham Forest), Jamie McGrath (St. Mirren), Jayson Molumby (Brighton and Hove Albion), Alan Browne (Preston North End)
Attackers: Aaron Connolly (Brighton and Hove Albion), James Collins (Cardiff City), Daryl Horgan (Wycombe Wanderers), Adam Idah (Norwich City), Troy Parrott (MK Dons, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth), Callum Robinson (West Bromwich Albion)
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