Rory Delap is in danger of missing the Republic of Ireland's crucial Euro 2004 qualifiers against Georgia and Albania after his club, Southampton, said today he would be sidelined for up to six weeks.
Delap tore medial ligaments in his knee during Southampton's FA Cup win over Norwich at the weekend and will need between four and six weeks' recuperation. He will not require an operation.
The news will come as a blow to Ireland manager Brian Kerr who values Delap's versatility. The midfielder, capped nine times by the Republic and just recovered from a calf strain, has played a central role for the Saints this season but is equally comfortable on the flanks.
"It is bitterly disappointing, I am absolutely sick. The doctors said six weeks although it might be slightly earlier if I heal quickly," Delap said.
He added: "It is not good news and this is all I need because it will rule me out of the [FA] Cup match as well as some important league games and probably Ireland's Euro 2004 qualifiers at the end of March".
Southampton play Wolves in next month's FA Cup quarter-finals. Wolves and Ireland winger Mark Kennedy could miss that clash as he is due to visit a specialist in Germany within the next three weeks to solve a hamstring problem.
Delap was named in Kerr's squad for last week's Scotland game but returned home to be with his girlfriend and three-day old son. He last donned the green jersey in the 0-0 friendly draw with Greece in Athens last November.
Ireland play Georgia in Tblisi on Saturday, March 29th before meeting Albania in Tirana on Wednesday, April 2nd.