Manchester City: Dunne Ruled Out Of France Clash

Manchester City defender Richard Dunne is out of the Republic of Ireland's crunch World Cup qualifier against France on Saturday.

Centre-back Dunne, whose last appearance for his country was 11 months ago, had been hopeful of shaking off a calf injury which had forced him to miss two days' training since linking up with the rest of the Irish squad.

But Dunne has been forced to concede defeat in his bid to take on France at the Stade de France and will now return to City to receive treatment for the problem.

There is still hope Dunne could be back in the squad on Sunday and be available for the following Group Four clash with the Faroe Islands at Lansdowne Road on Wednesday.

Manager Brian Kerr said: "Richard has been receiving treatment from our medical staff since his arrival. However, following a review our medical team felt it would be more beneficial if he was to return to Manchester City for intensive treatment rather than lose out on a day's treatment by travelling to France.

"Richard will therefore return to Manchester, but if he recovers sufficiently over the next few days then he will rejoin the squad in Dublin on Sunday."

Team Talk