Former Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas has wished Ireland Under-21 ace Liam Kerrigan a speedy recovery from a devastating ACL tear.
The former UCD man made the move to Serie B side Como during the summer and settled quickly into life in Italy.
He was one of four players missing on Monday morning ahead of Ireland’s European Championships play-off against Israel.
The Sligo native took to Instagram to reveal his injury.
“This is so tough to write,” he said. “But, during training last week I got injured. My ACL is torn.
“The pain was so intense but faded quickly - so much so I thought I was ok but the coaching staff knew straight away something was not right.
“Although this is a massive blow for me, I am so grateful that I have a club like this behind me. I know they will do everything they can to get me back playing again and are already doing so.
“As much as I would love that to be in a few weeks I know I have to be patient and recover, get strong again.”
Ex-Gunners, Barcelona and Chelsea ace Fabregas also joined Como during the summer.
He replied to Kerrigan’s message, writing: “We are all waiting for you to come back soon a healthy man. Keep strong.”
Ireland Under-21 manager Jim Crawford has called-up Burnley's Dara Costelloe, NAC Breda’s Anselmo Garcia MacNulty and St. Patrick’s Athletic duo Adam O’Reilly and David Odumosu.
They replace injured quartet Kerrigan, Barnsley’s Luca Connell, Sheffield Wednesday’s Mark McGuinness and Cork City goalkeeper David Harrington.
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