The Republic of Ireland's World Cup qualifying campaign will get underway without Aaron Connolly or Adam Idah

Brighton & Hove Albion striker Connolly has been ruled out of the games away to Serbia and at home to Luxembourg with cracked ribs.

While Idah has a hernia according to Norwich boss Daniel Farke, and it's feared the Corkman requires surgery.

They join an already substantial injury list, with Darren Randolph, John Egan, James McCarthy and James McClean all missing for Stephen Kenny.

"Aaron has got a cracked rib," Brighton boss Graham Potter revealed on Friday, "But he is making good progress.

"But he will probably not be back until after the international break. It is sore at the moment and there is not much we can do at the moment."

Connolly is proving to be something of an illusive figure for the Ireland manager.

In Kenny's eight games in charge to date, he's only been able to call on the Galwegian on three occasions. Connolly started both of last September's Nations League games with Bulgaria and Finland.

But after being ruled out of the Euro 2020 playoff semi-final with Slovakia due to COVID-19 related reasons, he's only played in a 1-0 defeat to Finland in Helsinki.

However, it's a blow for a manager who's only seen his side score once during his time in charge.

In better news for Kenny, who names his squad next Thursday, Seamus Coleman has returned to fitness.

The Ireland skipper is set to feature in Everton's Premier League game at home to Burnley on Saturday having missed each of their last three outings.

James Crombie: The story behind his iconic sports photography | OTB AM