Ipswich Town skipper Matt Holland has been forced to withdraw from the Republic of Ireland squad for Wednesday's friendly against Croatia at Lansdowne Road.
Holland suffered slight knee and ankle injuries during his club's recent pre-season friendlies against Dublin City and Bray Wanderers.
Ireland boss Mick McCarthy said: "They are only minor injuries. But I would prefer not to risk him on this occasion.
"It's much more important that Matt is fully fit for our World Cup qualifier against Holland (in Dublin on September 1).
"It's the game against the Dutch that I need Matt to partner Roy Keane in the centre of midfield, especially with Mark Kinsella ruled out for six weeks after a hernia operation."
