Calf strain has compelled Niamh Fahey, the 36-year-old captain of Liverpool, to withdraw from the Euro 2025 qualifying matches against France this week and England next week for the Republic of Ireland. After being evaluated by the Irish medical team in Dublin, she has been sent back to her club.
The absence of Fahey, a seasoned defender with 112 caps under her belt, was anticipated following comments from her club manager, Matt Beard, last week, stating she was expected to be unavailable due to the injury for several weeks. The news undoubtedly deals a blow to management, but the Ireland coach, Eileen Gleeson, has decided against calling up a replacement.
Fortunately, Gleeson still has numerous central defenders at her disposal. The squad was further reinforced on Monday with the international clearance of Aston Villa’s Anna Patten by FIFA, allowing her to switch over from England and play in the matches against France and England.
Louise Quinn and Caitlin Hayes are likely to helm both games. Gleeson now has a choice of Patten, Jessie Stapleton, Diane Caldwell, and Aoife Mannion if she decides to field three centre-backs. Megan Campbell, who can also play on the left of a back three, is another potential candidate.