Martin O’Neill’s problems stacking up ahead of crucial Euro 2016 qualifiers

Bad timing, to say the least.

The World Cup champions are coming to town and Martin O'Neill's starting defence is dropping like flies. Ciaran Clark had already been ruled out this morning with a quad injury, before the Republic of Ireland manager received the news he was dreading. Seamus Coleman was been omitted from the Everton squad for their 1-1 draw with Liverpool on Sunday. The right full-back has now missed four consecutive matches for the Toffees with a hamstring injury and his chances of facing Joachim Low's men in the Aviva on Thursday must be slim. Marc Wilson has been named in O'Neill's squad but is to remain at Stoke for treatment on his calf after missing yesterday's game against Aston Villa. With James McClean and Glenn Whelan already suspended, O'Neill is looking at a starting back four of Cyrus Christie, John O'Shea, one of Richard Keogh, Alex Pearse or Paul McShane and Robbie Brady. At least Aiden McGeady can come to no harm, after he was left out of Everton's squad yet again. The good news is that Darron Gibson has been re-called into the Irish squad for the matches against Germany and Poland following injury. The 27-year-old was an unused substitute in the Merseyside derby.