Jon Walters is facing a tight fitness deadline if he is to figure for the Republic of Ireland against Wales in the vital World Cup qualifier on March 24.
Walters, 33, is back in training after a clean-up operation on his knee but is some way short of match sharpness, according to Stoke City manager Mark Hughes.
‘He [Walters] should be back in two or three weeks. He’s training but probably needs a little more work on a daily basis,’ said Hughes.
‘He needs a good two weeks at least, or three.