Jonathan Walters ‘gutted’ by injury misery

By Damian Spellman

Republic of Ireland striker Jonathan Walters will miss next month’s Nations League clashes with Denmark and Wales as he faces up to six months on the sidelines.

The 35-year-old, who is on loan at Ipswich from Premier League Burnley, suffered a partially-ruptured Achilles tendon after coming on as a substitute in Saturday’s 0-0 Sky Bet Championship draw with Bolton.

A statement released on Ipswich’s website said: “Town have been dealt a blow with the news that Jon Walters has been ruled out for six months with an Achilles injury.

“The Republic of Ireland international limped off minutes after going on as a second-half substitute in Saturday’s goalless draw with Bolton.

The striker, on loan from Burnley until January, had a scan at the weekend and then saw a specialist in London today, with the news that he has a partial rupture of his Achilles.

“No surgery is needed, but he is expected to be out of action for six months.”

The news will come as a blow to Ireland boss Martin O’Neill, who has spent much of the last two years trying to plug the sizeable gap left in the striking department by Robbie Keane’s retirement from international football.

Walters said: “I’m obviously gutted with the news. That’s football, though. That’s life, I suppose, as well and while I’m really disappointed, there are a lot of people worse off than me.”