Hallgrímsson planning without Evan Ferguson for World Cup playoff

The on-loan Roma forward is set to miss the clash with Czechia

Thu, 26 Feb, 2026 - 13:26

Cian Locke

Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson is resigned to being without striker Evan Ferguson for the World Cup playoff with Czechia in March.

Ferguson has struggled with ankle injuries this season and last and has been out of the Roma squad in recent weeks as he seeks to get to the bottom of the problem.

Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini recently spoke about the issue, saying. “Ferguson has an ankle problem, the fourth sprain he’s suffered. Last year, he was sidelined for a year due to ankle surgery, so this guy’s biggest challenges are of this nature. We’re trying to get him back on his feet, but every time he changes direction, he risks a small sprain."

In an interview with the Irish Times, Hallgrímsson confirmed Ferguson will see a specialist on Friday about the problem, which is not going away.

“It is going to be a challenge for Evan now, to regain fitness and match sharpness. He is going to visit a specialist on Friday so we will know more then but it is looking unlikely that he will be with us in March at least. We need to be prepared for that.”

The Ireland boss admitted the frequent injury setbacks have been difficult for the striker, still a Brighton player, to cope with, especially as he appeared to have found form in Serie A.

“This season has been a test for him psychologically,” said Hallgrímsson. “He looked really good in September. I’d never seen him so lean. He was fit. Muscular. Definitely the lightest I’d seen him since [2024]. The sharpest too.

“I thought it was a good sign going to Roma. I know they were training two times a day and that was new for him.”

The Ferguson injury is made more problematic by Adam Idah's own fitness plight, with Hallgrímsson set to rely again on Troy Parrott as Ireland's chief attaching threat.

“It is tough because Adam Idah might have one game coming back from injury for Swansea [before the Czech match], and he won’t start, so it is unlikely Adam will be ready.

"Johnny Kenny is not playing much for Bolton, so hopefully he will start and start scoring. We do not have many options up front from players who are flying at the moment.”