Harry Arter may not play again this season.
The Bournemouth midfielder was set to feature in the Republic of Ireland's friendlies last month against Switzerland and Slovakia, but was forced to pull out of the squad with an achilles injury.
Arter has been sent by his club to see a specialist, and is awaiting word back on the severity of the injury. Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe revealed on Friday that there's a chance the 26 year old may not play again this season.
"Harry [Arter] saw a specialist this week for his injury,"
Howe told the club's official website.
"We are waiting to see the outcome from that before we know whether we will have him back with us this season."
Arter has impressed for Bournemouth this season, playing 12 times as the Cherries have all but secured their Premier League status.
The midfielder has only played once for Ireland, as a second-half substitute against England last June, but Martin O'Neill seems to rate the player, and was keen for him to be involved in last month's friendlies.
Ireland's next game is against the Netherlands on May 27, so there's still time for Arter to be available for that, even if his Premier League season could be over.
Arter has impressed for Bournemouth this season, playing 12 times as the Cherries have all but secured their Premier League status.
The midfielder has only played once for Ireland, as a second-half substitute against England last June, but Martin O'Neill seems to rate the player, and was keen for him to be involved in last month's friendlies.
Ireland's next game is against the Netherlands on May 27, so there's still time for Arter to be available for that, even if his Premier League season could be over.
