Republic of Ireland will face Austria without Shane Long after the Southampton striker injured his hamstring last month.
Long sustained the injury during Southampton’s Europa League defeat away to Inter at the end of last month and the striker hasn’t recovered in time to make it into Martin O’Neil’s provisional 35-man squad for the upcoming international break.
It presents a huge blow for Ireland, who enter the international break second and only behind Group D leaders Serbia on goal difference. Travelling to Austria would have been bookmarked as one of Ireland’s toughest fixtures in the qualification campaign, and the loss of Long will certainly dent their chances of securing a positive result.
Long has already got on the scoresheet for Ireland in qualification – a 3-1 away win against Moldova – and leaves Ireland short of quality in forward areas. The Southampton No.7 has dropped down the pecking order under Claude Puel this season and is yet to score in the league in seven appearances.
For more stats on Shane Long, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
