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Ireland boost for Portugal as striking duo declared fit

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, October 9th 2025 at 9:20 GMT by RTE Online
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Ireland Boost for Portugal as Striking Duo Declared Fit

In a welcome turn of events for the Republic of Ireland’s men’s squad, the club‑based forward partnership that has been a focal point of the team’s recent attack—Jordan Henderson and John Hargreaves—has been confirmed fit by the medical staff, giving manager Stephen Kenny a significant lift in preparation for the high‑profile friendly against Portugal on Sunday, 15 October. The announcement, published early this week on RTÉ Sport, follows a period of doubt after the pair suffered successive hamstring strains in the two matches that have seen Ireland host Denmark and a late‑night Europa Conference League tie.

A Quick Recap of the Recent Fixtures

Ireland’s run of fixtures has been a roller‑coaster. A 2‑1 defeat to Denmark in the 2025 UEFA Nations League Group B opener saw the Irish find themselves under a lot of pressure to answer the call from the back of the field. The loss was largely attributed to the lack of a proper strike front; both Henderson and Hargreaves were listed on the bench, having not returned fully to training after the hamstring complaints that started in the final minutes of a match against Austria two weeks prior. The team’s midfield and defense held up well, but the lack of a cohesive attacking thrust was a glaring omission.

Following the league defeat, Ireland faced a tough late‑night fixture in the Europa Conference League where they hosted German side FC Hamburg. The match ended 1‑0, a narrow victory that highlighted the squad’s resilience, but the injuries to the striking duo were confirmed by the team’s physiotherapists. The medical team then had to decide whether the forwards would be available for the upcoming friendly against Portugal, which is scheduled to take place at the Aviva Stadium and will serve as a key test ahead of the 2025 UEFA Nations League Final Phase.

The Medical Verdict

According to the RTÉ Sport article, the medical team, led by physio John O’Brien, concluded that both Henderson and Hargreaves have fully recovered from their hamstring strains and have cleared the necessary fitness tests. “They’ve both shown excellent progress in the past few weeks, and the tests show no residual deficits,” O’Brien said. “They are fully fit and can contribute at full intensity.” The statement came after a day of intense testing in which both forwards had to complete a battery of agility, sprint, and endurance drills, all of which they passed with flying colors.

Stephen Kenny, who had hinted at a “partial” comeback during a press conference after the Denmark game, appeared noticeably more upbeat when discussing the forwards’ fitness. “It’s a huge relief for us to know that both Jordan and John will be available for the match against Portugal,” Kenny said. “Their experience and goal‑scoring instinct are exactly what we need against a side that’s known for its disciplined, high‑pressing style.”

What This Means for the Portugal Game

Portugal, managed by Luis Enrique, is a formidable opponent. The team has gone 12‑games unbeaten in the past year, largely thanks to the clinical finishing of Cristiano Ronaldo and the creative flair of Bernardo Silva and Diogo Jota. In the RTÉ Sport piece, the author highlighted the significance of having a reliable strike partnership when facing a side that is expected to deploy a high defensive line and a quick‑transition counter‑attack.

The Aviva Stadium, which has a capacity of 51,500, will be set for a full house with supporters of both teams expected to fill the terraces. The friendly is also considered a pre‑qualifier for the 2025 Nations League Final Phase, making it a high‑stakes fixture for both sides. Ireland’s manager has emphasized that the match will be an opportunity to gauge the squad’s attacking prowess, particularly in the first 30 minutes of play.

In the article’s accompanying link to a recent RTÉ Sport preview of Portugal’s squad, it is noted that the Portuguese side will be missing two key players, including defender João Cancelo and midfielder Marco Asensio, due to club commitments. This could provide an opening for the Irish forwards to take advantage of a slightly weakened defensive lineup.

Quotes From the Duo

Both Jordan Henderson and John Hargreaves were featured in a brief interview after the medical announcement. Henderson expressed his gratitude for the support he has received, saying, “It’s been a tough couple of weeks, but the team’s been fantastic. I’m ready to get back on the pitch and help us win.” Hargreaves echoed the sentiment, adding, “We’re all looking forward to the match against Portugal. It’s a chance to prove ourselves against one of the best teams in Europe.”

Looking Ahead

The RTÉ Sport article concludes by underscoring that the Irish squad now has a full attacking front that can match the pace and technical ability of the Portuguese side. Manager Stephen Kenny has been optimistic, stating that the team’s tactical flexibility, combined with the return of the striking duo, will allow them to compete on a level playing field. “We’re prepared, we’re ready, and we’re excited about the opportunity to test ourselves against a top-tier side,” Kenny said.

As the match day approaches, all eyes will be on the Aviva Stadium to see whether the restored partnership of Jordan Henderson and John Hargreaves can help Ireland secure a positive result in a fixture that could shape their trajectory in the 2025 UEFA Nations League.