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Republic of Ireland defender Sean St Ledger is likely to miss two key World Cup qualifiers after being injured during a club training session.

Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson said St Ledger might be out for six weeks because of a knee injury.

St Ledger suffered a grade two tear during training on Friday.

The 28-year-old is out of Wednesday's friendly against Wales but could also miss the Group C qualifiers against Sweden and Austria in September.

"It happens and it's unfortunate, but historically Sean been a pretty quick healer, so six weeks is probably being a bit pessimistic," told Leicester's website.

"It might be three or four, but it will be what it will be. You can't do a lot about contact injuries.

"It is not ideal and is disappointing for Sean, but that's football."

The Republic, Austria and Sweden are tied on 11 points in the race to finish behind second by Germany who are five clear at the top of the qualifying group.

Giovanni Trapattoni's men are at home to Sweden on 6 September and then play in Vienna four days later.