Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni is to undergo abdominal surgery following his recent illness.
The Italian coach was admitted to hospital in Dublin on Tuesday with suspected food poisoning but it now seems his condition was caused by scar tissue from a previous operation.
A statement from the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) read: “Giovanni Trapattonicontinues to have abdominal pain.
“Following the results of further investigation, and consultation with his surgeon, it has been decided the abdominal pain is as a result of minor scar tissue from previous surgery.
“To relieve the pain, he will undergo minor surgery at 3pm today (Wednesday).”
It was initially thought that Trapattoni may be available to take charge of Wednesday’s friendly against Argentina, but the FAI revealed his progress was ‘slightly behind expectations’.