Ireland forward Jonathan Walters to miss Switzerland friendly
Wednesday 23 March 2016 15:52, UK
Stoke forward Jonathan Walters will miss the Republic of Ireland's friendly against Switzerland on Friday but is hopeful of being available to face Slovakia next week.
Walters, 31, who was named as the FAI Senior International Player of the Year last weekend, was hoping to overcome a minor hamstring injury in time to face the Swiss in Dublin.
However, Martin O'Neill was unwilling to risk the versatile performer for the fixture and Walters has since returned home, although he will link back up with the Ireland squad on Thursday with a view to being included in the starting line-up when they take on the Slovakians at the Aviva Stadium next Tuesday.
Walters has enjoyed a fine 12 months for both club and country, helping inspire Ireland to the summer's European Championship finals with two crucial goals in the play-off second leg triumph over Bosnia-Herzegovina.
O'Neill's men welcome Switzerland and Slovakia to the capital as they prepare to do battle with Sweden, Belgium and Italy in France.
Walters scored one and set up another in his last Premier League outing - a 2-1 victory against Watford at Vicarage Road - and has scored 12 goals in all competitions this season.
Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter, meanwhile, has returned to his club for treatment on an Achilles injury and Derby's Jeff Hendrick, who aggravated a shoulder problem, also followed suit on Wednesday.
LA Galaxy captain Robbie Keane and Robbie Brady of Norwich also sat out training on Tuesday.
