Cragg in Achilles injury setback

Alistair Cragg suffered a serious Achilles injury two years ago

Irish athlete Alistair Cragg's preparations for the Olympic Games have been hit by a worrying Achilles injury.

Cragg dropped out of the 5000m final at the 2006 European Championships because of a similar problem.

The South African-born athlete failed to finish Tuesday's 3000m race at the Grand Prix meeting in Monaco and he has travelled to Germany to get treatment.

The Irish athletes team already have injury concerns over Eileen O'Keeffe, Derval O'Rourke and Joanne Cuddihy.

Hurdler O'Rourke has a groin injury while hammer contender O'Keeffe and 400m hopeful Cuddihy both have knee problems.

606: DEBATE Give your thoughts on Ireland's track and field prospects for Beijing

The 1500m heats take place on Friday 15 August with the semi-finals two days later and the final scheduled for 19 August.

The 5000m heats will take place on 20 August.

After a couple of disappointing seasons, 2005 European Indoor 3000m champion Cragg has shown encouraging form this season.

He finished a close third in the 3000m at last weekend's London Grand Prix behind Ugandan Boniface Kiprop and Kenya's Mike Kigen.