Concern in Ireland over Daryl Murphy's latest injury as Newcastle's injuries mount up

The striker was forced to withdraw from the Republic of Ireland’s squad for the Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Wales in Dublin with a calf injury.

And the problem has put his involvement in the April 1 match against Wigan in doubt.

Martin O’Neill’s medical staff sent Murphy for a scan, and there is understood to be concern among the Ireland’s backroom staff over a recurring issue with the his calf.

Murphy, who played 90 minutes for the Championship leaders in Saturday’s goalless draw against Birmingham City, will have now treatment have treatment on Tyneside.

The 34-year-old, signed from Ipswich Town last summer – has scored five goals so far this season.

Murphy has ably deputised for both leading scorer Dwight Gayle and Aleksandar Mitrovic, who is on international duty with Serbia.

United are also assessing defensive pair Ciaran Clark and Grant Hanley ahead of the visit of struggling Wigan to St James’s Park.

Clark was forced to withdraw from the Ireland squad after suffering medial ligament damage against Fulham earlier this month, while Hanley – who also played against Birmingham at St Andrew’s – has picked up an ankle problem.

Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez, also without defender DeAndre Yedlin (thigh), had hoped that the club’s injury problems would ease over the international break.

And the injuries suffered by Murphy and Hanley will be a concern to Benitez ahead of two hugely-important home games.

The Wigan fixture is followed by a game against Burton Albion at St James’s Park on April 5.

United lead the Championship by a point with eight games left to play.