Republic of Ireland vs Sweden team news: Martin O’Neill faces anxious wait over Jonathan Walters
The Republic of Ireland will assess Jonathan Walters over the weekend as he bids to prove his fitness ahead of their opener against Sweden on Monday.
The 32-year-old Stoke striker has not been able to train fully this week because of an Achilles injury but manager Martin O’Neill will give him more time to show he is ready for the game in Paris.
Walters had a solo fitness session yesterday and O’Neill, whose side also face Belgium and Italy, admits he will have to take part in full training over the weekend to be in contention.
“Jon is improving,” said O’Neill. “I think at some stage or another he would probably have to join in with us.
"That is about a week he has missed. Jon is naturally fit, which gives him a big advantage over a number of other players, but I will wait. We will see how he is.
“And I would probably wait a wee bit longer for Jon than I might wait for a few others, in terms of what he has done for us and in terms of his natural fitness.”
Robbie Keane and Robbie Brady are both fit to face Sweden. Keane has recovered from a calf injury and Brady has shaken off a back problem.
Both players took part in full training yesterday. Brady said: “It is finally here and we are all going to relish it.”
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