Republic of Ireland defender Dara O’Shea is facing up to six months on the sidelines after fracturing his ankle during the recent 2-1 defeat to Portugal.
The news was confirmed in a statement by West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday, with the 22-year-old also sustaining ligament damage and requiring surgery.
O'Shea was forced off during the first-half on the Algarve, as he turned his ankle tackling Diogo Jota.
His absence will be a big blow for both the Baggies and the Republic, with the defender becoming an increasingly important figure for both club and country.
O’Shea’s injury will see him miss the rest of Ireland’s 2020 World Cup qualification campaign, which concludes with a trip to play Luxembourg on November 14th.
“Very tough one to take. Thank you all the support and well wishes over the last week. I’m a warrior and I’m fully focused to overcome this challenge in my life and to come back stronger,” Tweeted O’Shea after the extent of his injury was confirmed.
