JON WALTERS FACES a race against time to be fit for Ireland’s crucial World Cup Qualifier against Wales next month with the striker still a number of weeks away from a return.
The 33-year-old underwent minor knee surgery in January and Stoke manager Mark Hughes yesterday said while Walters has returned to training, he is still three weeks from making a comeback.
Speaking to Newstalk’s Nathan Murphy, the Potters manager said: “He should be back in two to three weeks.
“He’s training but he probably needs a little bit more work on a daily basis. He needs a good two weeks at least, or three. Three would be better for him.”
Walters’ fitness will be a concern for Martin O’Neill ahead of the visit of Group D rivals Wales to Dublin on 24 March.
The forward has featured in every minute of Ireland’s four group outings so far with the Boys sitting top after three wins and a draw.
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Super Johnny will make it.
Unreal that a 33 year old has played every minute so far. What a machine