Ireland's injury woes continue as Adam Idah and Aaron Connolly emerges as doubts for Serbia qualifier

Aaron Connolly and Adam Idah have both emerged as major doubts ahead of the Republic of Ireland’s opening World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Luxembourg.

Stephen Kenny’s side kick off their campaign in Belgrade on March 24^th before hosting Luxembourg three days later but may have to do so without two of their young attacking options.

Connolly has been diagnosed with a broken rib while Idah will seek further clarity on a hernia that may see the Corkman require surgery.

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Graham Potter confirmed that the injury that has kept Connolly out of the last two Premier League games will likely see him miss the international games.

“Aaron Connolly has got a cracked rib and he will be back after the international break,” he said, though there is some hope the Galwayman will be passed fit to travel to Serbia.

Likewise, Norwich City boss Daniel Farke confirmed Idah will miss his side’s weekend fixture with Sheffield Wednesday and could require an operation.

"Adam Idah will miss the game due to a problem with his hernia. There's a little fear he will need surgery, but we'll wait for the assessment on that," said Farke.

Idah and Connolly have been regulars when fit under Kenny and, with David McGoldrick confirming his retirement from international football, attacking options are in short supply.

It’s a further unneeded headache for the Irish boss, whose first eight games in the hotseat have been plagued by injuries and Covid-related absences.

Goalkeeper Darren Randolph, who has started every game under Kenny, has been ruled out of the games with a hip injury while the uncapped Caoimhín Kelleher is also a doubt.

The absence of either could open the window for ex-Shamrock Rovers stoppers Mark Travers and Gavin Bazunu, both of whom have impressed on loan with Swindon Town and Rochdale this term.