Euro 2016: Republic of Ireland fear Jon Walters will miss the rest of the tournament through injury
THE Republic of Ireland fear midfielder Jon Walters will be ruled out of the rest of Euro 2016 with an Achilles injury.
Walters has been dogged by the problem in the build-up to the tournament and aggravated it early in the country’s 1-1 opening game draw with Sweden.
Jon Walters lies injured after aggravating an Achilles injury against Sweden
The Stoke star has not been able to train since that game and will definitely miss this weekend’s crucial Group E clash with Belgium.
But the Irish medical team have real concerns that Walters – who played a key role in helping the side qualify for the tournament – will not be fit enough to play any further part.
Jon Walters, far left, sits out Republic of Ireland training through injury
The news will come as a major blow to boss Martin O’Neill after his side threw away their chance of beating Sweden when they sat back after Wes Hoolahan had given them the lead.
Cieran Clark’s own goal meant Sweden scrambled a point from the game, which means Ireland now have it all to do if they want to make it through to the knock-out stages.
more from euro 2016
blind faith
Gary Neville reveals the England squad for Euro 2016 was picked on faith in ability, not on form
Eur having a Laugh
Uefa have nothing but praise for England's disgraceful summer performance at Euro 2016
PEP TALK
Cristiano Ronaldo aims cheeky jibe at award rival Antoine Griezmann by claiming Pepe was the star of Euro 2016
GIVE US A BREAK
Hapless England bigwig Dan Ashworth says The FA are now backing a Premier League winter break
BARNET D'OR
Paul Pogba is the £105million Manchester United target with a history of outrageous hairstyles
open to offers
Belgian FA post advert for new national team manager on their own website
Viva las vegas
Germany stars Mesut Ozil, Emre Can and Julian Draxler party with bikini-clad babes
Ferd for Three Lions
Former England captain Rio Ferdinand would jump at the chance to boss national team
Time for a change
Louis van Gaal could soon manage Red Devils again as Marc Wilmots sacked as Belgium manager
Portugal hero's hell
Eder’s dad was jailed for life in England for strangling partner and dumping body in a river
Ron lov
Man United legend Sir Alex Ferguson hails Cristiano Ronaldo as the 'best footballer of this generation'
Near yet so far
Antonio Conte misses out on £425,000 bonus by one Fifa ranking place while Wales above England
O’Neill is understood to be concerned that if he rushed Walters back too soon, he could damage the Achilles more.
Victory over Belgium would leave the Irish in with a great chance of making out of the group, even if they finish third overall.
Leave a comment