Shane Long forced off with injury ahead of Ireland’s game with Wales

The Republic of Ireland take on Wales on Thursday in Cardiff.

The two sides meet in their opening fixture of the new Uefa Nations League tournament, but Shane Long may not play any part in the match. Long was named in Martin O'Neill's squad for the Nations League game and for Ireland's friendly against Poland a few days later. However, the striker was forced off injured during Southampton's 2-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday. Long started the game at Selhurst Park but had to be replaced by Charlie Austin after 62 minutes. It's not yet known how serious the injury is, but Long's involvement in Ireland's upcoming matches now appears to be in doubt. O'Neill admitted earlier this week in Dublin that he was short of options up front, and Long's injury won't help the Ireland manager. "We have had to make do. We can't go into a transfer market. We can't try and sort something out, it is what it is. Absolutely, I can't deny that it's a problem," O'Neill told reporters when asked about Ireland's issues up front. However, there was some good news for the Ireland manager on Saturday. Callum Robinson has been named in the Ireland squad and he got on the scoresheet in Preston's 2-2 draw with Bolton. Midfielder Alan Browne also scored a stunning volley in the game. https://twitter.com/ProfoundValley/status/1035947212268875776