Clinton Morrison dislocated a shoulder today and is unlikely to feature in the Republic of Ireland's upcoming Euro 2004 qualifiers against Georgia and Albania.
The striker was taken off during Birmingham's 1-0 Premiership win over strugglers West Brom after an aerial collision with Albion defender Neil Clement.
"We believe he has dislocated his shoulder," Birmingham manager Steve Bruce told the club's official website. "He's in hospital as we speak and we'll be going to see how he is."
With Robbie Keane still struggling for full fitness, manager Brian Kerr may be forced to play Damien Duff up front with target man Gary Doherty against Georgia this day week.
The Blackburn winger, fit again after hamstring trouble, has made an impressive return to club action with two goals in two games - he scored against Newcastle today - and has the edge, in that position, over David Connolly, despite the latter's impressive strike rate for Wimbledon.
Connolly scored his 19th goal of the season in Wimbledon's 2-1 away defeat to Rotherham today.
Elsewhere, John O'Shea picked up a minor knock in Manchester United's home win over Fulham.
Manager Alex Ferguson did not reveal the extent of the injury but confirmed the Waterford youngster received treatment at half-time.