Hull City midfielder David Meyler is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a knee injury, the Derby Telegraph have reported.
Meyler was called up to an already injury-plagued Republic of Ireland squad this week, as they prepare to take on Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Euro 2016 play-offs.
However, he too is now out with a problem having torn a medial ligament in training, leaving his country further depleted for two huge games and his club without a key player as they look to continue their flying start to the season.
Ireland depleted for crucial tie
Meyler's injury will be particularly sore for his country, who are already without John O'Shea, Shane Long and Rob Elliot for at least the first leg of their play-off with Bosnia.
Whether or not these players will be fit enough to play the second leg at the beginning of next week is unclear, though unlikely, but one player they will definitely be without is the Hull midfielder.
It is a shame for the 26-year-old too as he has begun to establish himself in his country's starting line-up, starting two games for them this calendar year and featuring off the bench in another two.
Now, he will miss out on two massive games for the nation though, having to support from the stands instead as they look to make it to the Euros next year, where Meyler himself will hope to be as well.
Chunk of Championship action to be missed
Nonetheless, it will be his club, Hull, who are more affected by his absence, as he will now miss at least nine Championship fixtures for them, as well as the League Cup quarter-final with Manchester United at Old Trafford, with him ruled out until after the New Year.
Meyler has played in 14 of the club's league games this year and has played a key part in getting them to the very top of the table with 16 games played, contributing two goals and an assist on the way.
However, the Tigers will now have to cope without him as he prepares to spend a significant period of time out.