Uncapped striker Caleb Folan is a serious doubt for the Republic of Ireland's European qualifier against Wales next Saturday after suffering an ankle injury.
The Wigan striker was controversially named in Staunton's 24-man squad for the double-header against Wales and Slovakia but was carried off during his club's 0-0 Premiership draw with Fulham today.
The 24-year-old former Chesterfield player was stretcheted off in the 28th minute following an accidental clash with Fulham's Carlos Bocanegra.
Folan fell awkwardly on his right ankle and was immediately replaced by Henri Camara. The striker is in hospital for x-rays but it is unclear whether he has suffered a break or bruising
"I wouldn't have thought he had any chance of going with Ireland," Wigan manager Paul Jewell said.
"It just shows you the highs and lows of this game. Two weeks ago he scored the winner against Manchester City and got picked for Ireland, and then this happens to him."
Folan's inclusion left in-form strikers Clinton Morrison and David Connolly out in the cold but either one of the pair could now receive a late call-up should Folan be officially ruled out.
Sunderland manager Roy Keane was critical of Connolly and Liam Miller's squad omission, branding the snubs a "disgrace" and suggesting the decision was down to "politics".
Sunderland, meanwhile, moved a step closer to automatic promotion today with a 2-0 home win over Hull.
Goals from Jonny Evans and Stern John saw Keane's men move second in the table, level on points with Birmingham and three behind leaders Derby.
Kevin Doyle continued his return from a hamstring injury by playing the last 14 minutes of Reading's 0-0 home draw with Portsmouth. Team-mate Shane Long, also named in the Irish squad, was not in the match-day squad.
Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane was an unused substitute in Tottenham's 3-1 win over Watford while Stephen Ireland was left out of the Manchester City side that won 2-0 at Middlesbrough.
Andy Keogh, selected in the Ireland squad for the San Marino game last month but omitted for the upcoming games, scored a 90th minute equaliser in Wolves' 2-2 draw away to Sheffield Wednesday.
Alan Lee was another to miss out on Staunton's selection but the striker opened the scoring for Ipswich in their 2-0 win at struggling Luton.
Stephen Kenny, the former Derry City manager, saw his Dunfermline side win 3-1 away to Inverness in the Scottish Premier League.
