SEAMUS FACES LONG KO
NO TIME-FRAME PUT ON POTENTIAL RETURN TO ACTION FOR BROKEN LEG VICTIM COLEMAN
Medics are putting no timeframe 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’d 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 clean and clear sailing.
“It will take some time, but Seamus has great determination and sometimes those things work very much in your favour, in terms of recovery.”
Coleman, who is still in hospital, faces a lengthy period of rehabilitation which will rob both his club and country of his services for an extended period at a time when he was at the height of his powers, and that will come as a devastating blow to a player who has grown in stature by the season to establish himself as a genuine Premier League and international player.
O’Neill added: “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, very pleased with the way the operation has gone and now it’s time for recuperation.”
As Coleman comes to terms with his misfortune, O’Neill has to swiftly turn his attention to tomorrow night’s friendly against Iceland at the Aviva Stadium.
The loss of his captain has further exacerbated an injury list which already included Shane Duffy, Ciaran Clark, Harry Arter, Wes Hoolahan and Daryl Murphy.
And Sunderland defender John O’Shea, who had stitches put into a leg wound after being caught late and high by Gareth Bale seconds before Coleman was injured, James McCarthy, Glenn Whelan and Jon Walters have now been released from the squad.
Robbie Brady is available after missing the Wales game through suspension, but O’Neill will make wholesale changes.
One of those could see Derby County’s Cyrus Christie handed a chance to stake his claim for the right-back spot in the skipper’s absence.
He came off the bench to replace Coleman on Friday.