Derby County and Republic of Ireland defender Cyrus Christie says he will be sidelined for at least three months with a fractured foot.
Christie was injured playing for his club in their 3-2 Sky Bet Championship win over Wolves on Saturday and confirmed on Monday his absence would last into 2017.
He was due to be part of the Republic squad for their World Cup European Qualifier against Austria on Saturday but should be back in plenty of time for their crunch clash with Wales towards the end of March.
Derby had earlier confirmed Christie's injury but did not specify how long he would be out.
However the player wrote on Instagram on Monday: "Gutted to be out for a minimum of three months. Will see the surgeon to check there is no more damage and get a return date.
"Hopefully it's a speedy recovery and the rehab goes smoothly and will be back fitter, better and stronger."
Christie has won six senior caps for the Republic and is Everton full-back Seamus Coleman's main competition for the No 2 shirt.
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