Martin O’Neill has been dealt a big injury blow ahead of Austria game

The Republic of Ireland have been dealt a big injury blow ahead of next month's crucial World Cup qualifier.

Martin O'Neill's team travel to Vienna to take on Austria on November 12, but look set to do so without James McCarthy. The Everton midfielder has suffered a hamstring tear in training, which, depending on the grade of the tear, could leave him out for between three weeks and six months. There's no confirmation yet from Everton on the severity of the injury. However, the best-case scenario would see McCarthy return in three weeks, and Ireland's game is in less than three weeks. Ronaldo Koeman will undoubtedly be unhappy about McCarthy's latest injury. The Everton manager hit out at O'Neill after McCarthy played two World Cup qualifiers in four days earlier this month, after previously spending six weeks on the sidelines with a groin injury. "Play him for 45 minutes, 60 minutes, but not 95 minutes after five to six weeks out. The second time, 80 minutes. You are killing the player," Koeman said. O'Neill responded by saying: "I have been involved in club and international management for a considerable time and I take exception to the remarks made."

"James played in our home game against Georgia last Thursday, and came through the match with no ill effects."

McCarthy wasn't part of Everton's squad for Saturday's 2-1 loss to Burnley, and now faces several weeks on the sidelines. Hopefully Harry Arter keeps up his excellent form and fills the void left by McCarthy in O'Neill's team next month. You can catch up on the latest episode of JOE's Football Friday Live right here...