Update: 14.53
Seamus Coleman has undergone surgery this morning, after sustaining a double leg break during Ireland's draw with Wales last night, with a lengthy spell on the sidelines ahead of him.
Worrying scenes immediately ensued after Coleman suffered a late challenge from Welsh player Neil Taylor midway through the second half of their crucial World Cup qualifier in the Aviva Stadium.
The Everton defender was stretchered off and transferred to hospital, while Taylor was dismissed from the field with a red card.
It's believed that he suffered fractures in his tibia and fibula bones in his lower right leg as result of the tackle, and was understandably in a lot of pain last night.
Seamus Coleman suffered a double fracture of his right leg, surgery has gone well, looking like early 2018 before he can return.
— Nathan Murphy (@nathanmurf) March 25, 2017
Coleman now faces a long and difficult rehabilitation programme. Off The Ball's Nathan Murphy was speaking on Newstalk today, and reports that Coleman is likely to be sidelined until at least January or February of 2018.
The FAI has since released a statement on Coleman's condition. Paying tribute to his captain, Ireland manager Martin O'Neill said:
"Seamus suffered a serious leg injury and has undergone surgery. He has had an exceptional season with both club and country, and he will be a big loss.
"But Seamus is so mentally strong that when he has fully recovered he will be as brilliant as before."
FAI CEO John Delaney added: "Seamus has been a terrific captain for his country, and on behalf of the FAI Board and everyone in the Association, I want to send Seamus our very best wishes.
"We look forward to welcoming Seamus back to the Ireland team, following his recovery."
Meanwhile, John O'Shea, James McCarthy, Glenn Whelan and Jonathan Walters have all been released back to their clubs and will therefore miss Ireland's upcoming friendly against Iceland.
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