Hallgrímsson facing Brady blow after calf injury rules veteran out of World Cup qualifiers

Brady revived his international career under the Icelandic boss but he will have to plan without the left-sided player for the visit of Hungary to Lansdowne Road on September 6 and trip to Armenia four days later.

ON THE SIDELINES: Ireland’s Robbie Brady will miss World Cup duty. Pic: INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Ireland’s reigning Player of the Year Robbie Brady looks certain to miss next month’s opening World Cup qualifiers after tearing his calf muscle.

Brady revived his international career following the arrival of Heimir Hallgrímsson just over a year ago but the manager will have to plan without the left-sided player for the visit of Hungary to Lansdowne Road on September 6 and trip to Armenia four days later.

The 33-year-old was sidelined for Preston North End’s opening Championship fixture on Saturday, a 1-1 draw against QPR, after suffering the injury in the final pre-season friendly against Manchester City. A precise prognosis is being awaited but the initial expectation is a layoff lasting at least four weeks, potentially up to six.

Brady’s only two absences during Hallgrímsson’s 10-game reign were last November due to injury but the likelihood now is the manager welcoming back his set-piece specialist for the October matches against Portugal away and Armenia home at the earliest.

Brady scored and assisted in the Uefa Nations League comeback 2-1 win over Finland last October in Helsinki, earning the Icelander the first victory of his reign.

“Robbie got injured in the last game,” said Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom ahead of the season opener. “He did his calf so he'll be out for a couple of weeks. We’ll see how we are then. Hopefully, we get the boys back as quickly as possible.” 

Misfortune for Brady should consolidate Ryan Manning’s place in the team for the visit of Dominik Szoboszlai’s Hungary. Manning has been used in Ireland’s matches further up the pitch on the left side but he was a steady deputy in the last game against Luxembourg when called upon after only 21 minutes to replace the injured Brady.

The Galwayman proved to be Southampton’s game-changer on Saturday, sprung from the bench against newly-promoted Wrexham to produce a stunning free-kick equaliser before setting up the stoppage-time winner. A fingertip save by his compatriot Gavin Bazunu at 1-0 equally contributed to the turnaround.