Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has called the tackles by Wales duo Gareth Bale and Neil Taylor on John O'Shea and Seamus Coleman "very poor".
Ireland skipper Coleman suffered a double leg break following Taylor's challenge, which came 55 seconds after Bale had slid in dangerously on O'Shea during Friday night's 0-0 draw at the Aviva Stadium in World Cup Qualifying Group D.
Sunderland centre-back O'Shea required stitches in the aftermath, while Coleman had pins inserted into his right leg during an operation on Saturday morning to repair a broken fibula and tibia.
Taylor was red carded for the incident and could yet face a hefty ban following a review by FIFA's disciplinary committee, while Bale was only yellow carded for his challenge.
"I've seen the challenge on Seamus [Coleman]," said O'Neill. "I've seen the challenge on John [O'Shea]. They are very poor.
"He [Coleman] was taken to hospital on Friday night. He was very groggy. Naturally, he's very disappointed. It will take some time to heal.
"It's a double break but it has been pinned up and screwed in place. The doctors are very pleased with the way the operation has gone. Now, it's time for recuperation.
"Seamus has great determination and sometimes things work very well in your favour in terms of recovery.
"He's been phenomenal as captain of our team. It's a big blow for the lad.
"At the minute, even doctors wouldn't be sure [of a timescale for his return]. Sometimes there can be complications, other times it can be clear and it's all plain sailing."