Ireland’s final World Cup qualifier just got tougher. Evan Ferguson will not join the squad for Sunday’s must-win showdown against Hungary in Budapest.
The 21-year-old striker has not recovered from the ankle injury he aggravated with Roma against Parma on October 29th.
Ireland need victory at the Puskas Arena to secure a play-off for next summer’s tournament. They want every weapon available. But they will travel without one of their brightest attacking talents.
“Everyone is fit apart from him,” said Hallgrímsson. “He did a session yesterday, but he has not kicked a ball. I spoke to him yesterday and I must commend him for saying that he did not feel he would be able to contribute enough, so he will continue his rehabilitation with Roma.”
Ferguson hoped to return in time. He pushed through rehab. But the ankle did not respond quickly enough. Now he will keep working in Italy. Reports there expect him back for Roma’s clash with Cremonese on November 23rd.
Ireland will again look to Troy Parrott. He stepped in against Portugal and delivered a heroic brace in the 2-0 win at the Aviva Stadium. That victory threw Group F wide open and dragged Ireland back into the fight.
Ferguson’s club form has been dry across his recent loan spells at West Ham and Roma. But he made a strong start in this qualifying campaign, scoring in three of Ireland’s first four games. His absence removes a proven goalscorer from a match that demands precision.
Ireland now head to Budapest knowing the stakes. With Ferguson out, the team must rally again. The momentum from the Portugal win remains their fuel. The mission is simple: win or watch the World Cup dream fade.
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