Stoke City defender Bosun Lawal has rejoined the Republic of Ireland squad for their upcoming Nations League matches after recovering from a hamstring injury. The 23-year-old returns to international duty as Stoke enjoy a strong start to the Championship season, sitting seventh with 13 points from eight games. Lawal has played 90 minutes in goal for Stoke in each of their last four matches.
Lawal missed Ireland's recent 1-0 defeat to Kosovo and 3-0 win over Israel while completing his rehabilitation with his club. He sustained the injury during Stoke's 4-0 Championship victory over Charlton on 5 September. Head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson confirmed the defender's initial absence, stating, "But he was not involved in the loss to Kosovo or victory over Israel as he underwent rehabilitation with Stoke on his injury."
Lawal is now available for Ireland's home match against Austria on Thursday and their trip to face Israel in Serbia on Sunday. Ireland are currently third in Nations League Group B3. The defender has one senior cap, earned in a friendly draw with North Macedonia in March. Following the international break, Stoke City's next fixture is a Championship match away at Preston North End on 19 October.
His return bolsters an Irish squad of 26 players during a key international window. For Stoke, Lawal's fitness is a positive as the team builds on a run of four wins and a draw from their last five league games. The club's current form and league position are detailed in our standings section.
