World Cup 2026: Ireland gets huge injury boost as soccer coach issues update

Gavin Bazunu is set to give the Republic of Ireland's soccer head coach, Heimir Hallgrimsson, a boost by returning to action for Stoke this month.

The goalkeeper had barely begun his loan spell from Southampton to the Potters when a thigh problem derailed his progress. Sidelined for eight Championship matches, he's now on track to resume playing, according to Stoke manager Mark Robins.

This development will please Hallgrimsson, with crucial World Cup playoff fixtures looming later this month. The Boys in Green head to Prague to face Czechia on March 26, with the winner hosting either Denmark or North Macedonia five days later.

Robins is anticipating relief from an injury-plagued squad, with Bazunu among four players approaching fitness, alongside Junior Tchamdeu, Sam Gallagher, and Divin Mubama.

He said: "Things are looking a bit brighter. Junior will be training on Monday, Sam Gallagher's back in on Monday, Gavin Bazunu will be fit by Monday. That's significant progress."

Bazunu's loan stint got off to a disastrous start, despite recording a shutout on his Stoke debut in a goalless stalemate with QPR.

Following recovery from a lengthy Achilles setback, he regained his place in the Saints lineup before spending seven matches on the substitutes' bench between late September and early November.

Once Southampton secured goalkeeper Daniel Peretz on loan from Bayern Munich in the January window, the decision was made to loan out the Dublin native.

Ireland is looking to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 2002. The Boys in Green have qualified for three World Cups in the past.

They reached the quarterfinals of the 1990 edition in Italy before losing in the Round of 16 four years later in the United States.

Ireland also reached the Round of 16 in South Korea and Japan in 2002.

The team has qualified for the Euros three times, with its most recent appearance at Euro 2016. Ireland was knocked out in the Round of 16 in France a decade ago.

The Irish also competed at Euro 1988 in West Germany, where they exited the tournament in the group stage.

They were also knocked out during the group stage at Euro 2012, held in Poland and Ukraine.