John Egan: Sheffield United and Republic of Ireland defender out for eight weeks because of dislocated toe
Last updated on .From the section Sheff Utd
Sheffield United defender John Egan has been ruled out for eight weeks with a dislocated toe which will also see him missing the Republic of Ireland's opening two World Cup qualifiers.
Blades boss Chris Wilder said on Friday morning that Egan would require surgery on the injury.
"It's a big blow to lose him for eight weeks," said Wilder.
Egan was carried off on Monday after hurting himself in a collision with West Ham's Jesse Lingard.
The Republic face Serbia in the opening World Cup qualifier on 24 March before taking on Luxembourg three days later.
Egan's injury is a further blow for the Blades who look relegation certainties from the Premier League as they are bottom and 14 points from safety.
Sheffield United face relegation rivals Fulham on Saturday and are still in the FA Cup.
"I do feel we've been cursed with injuries. I feel for the medical staff, they've been outstanding for two or three years," said Wilder.
"We've had John Fleck falling and breaking his back, Jack O'Connell colliding with Dean Henderson, Oli McBurnie falling and hurting his shoulder and now John Egan hurting himself making a tackle."