Sunderland’s Irish star David Meyler faces months on the sidelines, as scans have revealed he ruptured ligaments in a challenge with Patrice Evra in the Black Cats’ 1-0 defeat against Manchester United on Sunday.
The former Cork City man had been in fine form and will now miss the Republic of Ireland’s senior training camp taking place in Malahide later this month.
Meyler went to the Stadium of Light in 2008 when Roy Keane snapped him up, and he penned a new five-year contract with the club last week.
Manager Steve Bruce said: “He will see a specialist this week when further plans will be confirmed. It looks like a really serious injury for the kid. He’s in Bradford as we speak and will be operated on Friday.
“We wish him a speedy recovery. It’s a nasty end to the season.”
The news is a huge personal blow for Meyler who was set to link up with Giovanni Trapattoni and the Irish senior squad for the first time.
