Northern Ireland boss Ian Baraclough has been rocked by the news that Stuart Dallas is facing a “lengthy period” on the sidelines with a broken leg.
Leeds United have confirmed that the 31-year-old suffered a femoral fracture during Saturday’s 4-0 defeat to Manchester City at Elland Road.
It is estimated that Dallas will be out for at least six months, ruling him out of Northern Ireland’s forthcoming Uefa Nations League campaign.
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The versatile midfielder was stretchered off in first half stoppage time after a sickening 50-50 collision with City winger Jack Grealish.
In an official update, Leeds United stated: “Stuart Dallas faces a lengthy period out of action due to a femoral fracture sustained in yesterday’s Premier League game with Manchester City.
“Stuart was kept overnight at Leeds General Infirmary and will now travel to London for surgery and further tests.
“It is impossible to put into words just how important Stuart is to Leeds United on and off the field.
“Anyone who knows Stuart, knows he will come back from this stronger than ever, and in the meantime, he is sure to make his presence known at both Thorp Arch and Elland Road. There’s only one Stuart Dallas.”
Northern Ireland kick-off the Nations League with four games next month - against Greece, Cyprus and Kosovo - before concluding the Group C2 campaign in September.
Ian Baraclough’s men are next in action on June 2 when they welcome Greece to Windsor Park before travelling to Cyprus and Kosovo on June 5 and 9.
They finish next month’s run of four games against Cyprus in Belfast on June 12.
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