Ahead of Ireland's penultimate European Championship qualifier with Germany, Martin O'Neill's squad trained this morning in the camps base in Abbotstown.
The world champions visit the Aviva Stadium on Thursday evening, in the first part of the team's qualifying double header.
The Group D decider may well take place on Sunday night when Ireland play their final game away to Poland.
However, O'Neill must make do with a depleted side, with a number of first team players likely to miss out through injury.
Qualification remains a distinct possibility, with the most likely route via the play-offs. They will be assured a spot in the play-offs if Ireland can match Scotland's result against Poland, when those two sides meet on Thursday night.
O'Neill must plan for life without Ciaran Clark, who is suffering from a quad injury, as well as the injured pair of Stephen Quinn and Harry Arter.
Another key defender is Stoke City's Marc Wilson, who has remained with his club to receive treatment on a calf injury.
“Marc played a couple of games in quick succession,” said O’Neill. “He had to pull out of a training session last Thursday and he has had to have some work.
“I think he was going for a scan and Stoke thought it was the best thing for him to just stay with them for a couple of days. I’ll certainly be talking to him tomorrow to see how he is.”
Midfield duo Glenn Whelan and James McClean are also ruled out through suspension.
Seamus Coleman sat out of Everton's Merseyside clash with local rivals Liverpool, which means he has been absent for the Premier League side's past four games and is doubtful to feature on Thursday.
Replacement Cyrus Christie also sat out training today with what O'Neill described was a minor groin problem.
"Cyrus didn’t train today as he is having a little problem with his groin but hopefully he will be available for selection. He thinks he should be alright but we will see how he goes."
Elsewhere, strikers Kevin Doyle and captain Robbie Keane are yet to join the squad, with both having scored for their respective MLS clubs last night.
Via The42
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
