The injury worries are mounting for Giovanni Trapattoni ahead of Ireland's October World Cup qualifiers against Italy and Montenegro.
Fulham have confirmed that Damien Duff will be out of action for two to three weeks after picking up a calf injury in last weekends defeat to Arsenal at Craven Cottage.
This is likely to ensure that Duff will miss the Ireland v Italy game on October the 10th, however the hope is that Duff may recover in time for the second of the World Cup qualifiers against Montenegro on Wednesday 14 October.
Meanwhile Hull City's Calab Folan has also emerged as a serious doubt for the crucial Group 8 games. The striker, currently on-loan at Middlesbrough, tore his hamstring at training and could be sidelined for up to six weeks.
IT was, without doubt, the result of the week on the international stage and Caleb Folan is determined to use Ireland's draw in Italy as a springboard towards helping Hull City to safety.
The Tigers striker came off the bench midway through the first half on Wednesday night and capped an impressive display by playing a part in Robbie Keane's late equaliser.
In contrast to his exploits with Ireland, Folan's domestic season has been dogged by injury and loss of form with his only goal of the season having come in the opening-day win at home to Fulham.
However, after helping the Irish silence a partisan home crowd in Bari, the 26-year-old is now hoping to play a full part in keeping City in the Premier League.
He said: "Being away gave me the opportunity to play a bit. It also gave me the chance to experience a different kind of football at international level.
"You are up against players with different styles of play and that helps to prepare you for what is to come in the remainder of the season.
"Getting on to the pitch gave me that bit of a boost and a bit of confidence. Hopefully, I can bring that back here and perform in the same way.
"You get a lot of time to yourself when you are away and that gives you an opportunity to reflect. You often think about the games that are coming up for your club and we want to be a Premier League team next season.
"You have time to think about what you need to do and we know we have to start winning a few games."
Hull City & Ireland striker Caleb Folan has withdrawn from the Ireland squad for next month's World Cup qualifier against Georgia.
The 26-year-old has only recently returned to action following knee surgery and has informed manager Geovanni Trapattoni that he does not yet feel ready to play at Croke Park on February 11.
Folan had a minor operation in early December and has featured only twice since as a substitute in FA Cup ties against Newcastle and Millwall this month. Folan said: "I won't be going over there, it's still a bit too soon."
He added: "I have spoken to the Irish manager about my situation at the minute and I am trying to work on my fitness, so it might not be the right time for me to go over there this time around.
"I've spoken to Trapattoni and he believes I'll still be very much in his plans.
"I'm just hoping I can get my fitness right and be ready for the coming Ireland games."
