Stalwart defender John O'Shea is running out of time to regain his fitness in time for Ireland's Euro 2016 play-off against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The Sunderland player limped off at half-time against Newcastle in October and has not lined out for the club since then. And now it looks like the 34-year-old's chances of healing the injury in time for the play-off look to have deteriorated.
UPDATE: John O’Shea misses out after suffering a recurrence of a hamstring injury picked up against Newcastle. pic.twitter.com/j6E3uukfpa
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) November 7, 2015
A statement published on the club's official website earlier today stated that O'Shea will not appear in today's clash against Southampton:
'John O'Shea and Lee Cattermole both miss out due to injury with the Republic of Ireland international suffering a recurrence of a hamstring injury picked up against Newcastle United.'
Injured John O’Shea faces race to be fit for Ireland’s Euro 2016 play-off https://t.co/Hh4rzImP6s pic.twitter.com/I9699WzRy0
— SAFC Chat Uk (@safcchatuk1) October 28, 2015
The suspension picked up against Poland had already ruled O'Shea out of contention for the first leg against Bosnia in Zenica next Firday. But even though he is technically eligible for selection for the home tie, this worrying injury update could implicate his chances there as well. And the three day turnaround will force the former Manchester United player into an even tighter window of time.
