Ireland defender Dara O’Shea has been ruled out for up to six months with a fractured ankle.
The West Brom ace was injured during the first-half of Ireland’s 2-1 defeat away to Portugal last Wednesday.
O’Shea has also suffered ligament damage and the Baggies have confirmed that he faces between four and six months on the sidelines.
A regular under Stephen Kenny having won nine caps since making his debut away to Finland last year, O’Shea will require surgery.
He said: “It’s a very tough one to take. Thank you for 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.”
West Brom boss Valerien Ismael admits O’Shea absence will be a blow to their Premier League promotion bid.
Ismael said: “It’s sad news for us that Dara has suffered this injury. He has been excellent for us in the opening games of the season and he’s a very professional player.
“I’ve been very impressed with Dara since I arrived here and I know he will dedicate himself to the rehabilitation required to get back to full fitness.
“Fortunately, the club reacted very quickly to the injury and we have signed Kean Bryan to strengthen our defensive options during Dara’s injury and beyond.”
