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Northern Ireland full-back Chris Brunt has been ruled out of the Euro 2021 finals through a knee injury, it has been revealed.
The West Bromwich star is tipped to miss at least six months after having a surgery to repair an anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.
This means that he will take no part at the European Championship finals next summer, and no doubt this is a huge blow for manager Michael O’Neill.
Brunt had an important role to play as Northern Ireland surprised everyone to qualify for the tournament finals, starting eight qualifiers, and he was mostly used as left-back.
His club manager Tony Pulis confirmed the bad news, offering support to the 31-year-old footballer at what is quite probably the most difficult moment of his career.
“It’s a big blow for Chris and everyone is feeling for him right now,” said West Brom manager Tony Pulis.
“It will be disappointing for us not to have him for the rest of the season because he is a terrific player who gives the team great balance.
“But obviously it is made even more cruel because it has denied him a career highlight with Northern Ireland this summer.”
Northern Ireland face a tough task in Group C at the Euro 2021 finals, as they will be up against Germany, Ukraine and Poland.
Michael O’Neill’s side have scheduled a number of warm-up games in an attempt to best prepare for what awaits them in France, starting from the friendly against Wales on 24 March.
Four days later, Northern Ireland play host to Slovenia, before squaring off against Belarus (27.05.) and Slovakia (04.06.) in the build up to the tournament.
