O’Neill: No time frame on Seamus
MEDICS are putting no time-frame on Republic of Ireland skipper Seamus Coleman’s recovery from a double leg fracture.
The Everton full-back underwent surgery to pin the tibia and fibula in his right leg in Dublin on Saturday after Wales defender Neil Taylor’s challenge during Friday’s 0-0 World Cup qualifier draw left him in agony and his season over.
Surgeons are confident the 28-year-old will make a full recovery. But amid speculation he could be sidelined for up to six months, Ireland manager O’Neill was more cautious.
When asked how long Coleman might be out of action, O’Neill said: “I’m not sure, I would only be guessing. 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 clear sailing.
“It will take some time, but Seamus has great determination and sometimes those things work very much in your favour in recovery.”
It remains to be seen whether or not Coleman,
“We just want to maintain the form that we’re in and make sure when the Germans come here and the Czech Republic come here that we’ve a couple of special nights to look forward to.” who is still in hospital, will be able to play any further part in his country’s bid to reach next summer’s finals in Russia.
He faces a lengthy period of rehabilitation which will rob both his club and country of his services.
O’Neill, who visited Coleman on Friday before he had surgery, said: “He had the operation [Saturday] morning, that was successful. He has realised everything that has happened and is obviously very disappointed.
“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 pleased with the way the operation has gone and now it’s time for recuperation.
“I saw him the evening of the injury, he was fairly groggy. It’s a devastating blow for the lad.”