Seamus Coleman will face an anxious wait to determine whether he will miss Ireland’s double-header of fixtures next month.
The Everton right-back endured a disappointing final game at Goodison Park when he was substituted after just 18 minutes in the 2-0 victory over Southampton and headed straight down the tunnel.
It was Coleman’s first start since Boxing Day, with the 36-year-old struggling with a string of injuries throughout the campaign.
Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson last week called up Coleman, who cost Everton just £60,000 from Sligo Rovers, for the games against Senegal on June 6 and Luxembourg four days later.
Hallgrimsson has reiterated that Coleman, who has 73 caps for his country, will play a part in the upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign in September. However, it looks likely that he’ll be in a race to find his fitness for the friendlies.
Everton manager David Moyes confirmed he was struggling with a thigh strain. He said: “I’m really pleased [he was captain], but really disappointed because he has picked up a thigh strain early in the game.”
At the weekend, Moyes confirmed Coleman will remain at Everton beyond the season with his contract set to expire. Although it’s unclear in what capacity.
He said: “Seamus will stay next season, without doubt.
“He will be part of the group. I need him here, his leadership, his message he has among the players and in the dressing room is so strong, it will be wrong of me to let him go.
“One way or another, Seamus will be here certainly next season.”
Coleman took interim charge of Everton alongside Leighton Baines when Sean Dyche was sacked earlier in the season. He’ll likely step into a player-coaching role and look to build his experience on the touchline.
If he does miss the upcoming friendlies, Hallgrimsson may look to starting Matt Doherty or Dara O’Shea. The Ipswich defender started as a right-back in numerous games under the Icelandic coach since his appointment in July 2024.