Big blow for Megan Campbell and the Girls In Green
Republic of Ireland defender Megan Campbell has been dealt a huge blow after it was confirmed that she has ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament.
Campbell was stretchered off to a standing ovation from the home support at the Academy Stadium last night, in the second half of Manchester City's 2-1 victory over LSK Kvinner in the Champions League.
Both the player and City confirmed the bad news through their social media channels this afternoon.
Rehabilitation for such injuries can take anywhere up to nine months and in a statement released this evening the FAI say the 24-year-old is 'likely' to miss the rest of the 2019 World Cup qualifying campaign which ends next August at home against Northern Ireland.
Campbell was in fine form in the opening 2-0 win against the North last September in Belfast, scoring the second while one of her trademark bullet throws was instrumental in setting up the first.
Irish manager Colin Bell had included his star full-back and long-throw merchant for the World Cup qualifier against the Netherlands on Tuesday week.
Bell revealed a 21-woman squad for the trip to face the European Champions at De Goffert in Nijmegen on Tuesday week and is also without Claire Walsh who was forced to withdraw with an unspecified injury.
"It is a horrible moment in any players' career to suffer a long-term injury," Bell said this evening.
"Megan has worked extremely hard to make her way back from a previous injury, showing tremendous character to do so.
"She's been a vital part of the team with both her defensive and attacking capabilities, and she's a leader on and off the field. She'll be a big loss to us whilst she recovers but knowing her and determined character, I'm sure she'll be back even stronger.
"She's already played a vital role in the first two wins of the campaign and hopefully, the team can continue that form which she has helped us build in her absence."
Peamount United's Niamh Farrelly and Galway's Aislinn Meaney have been called up as replacements.
The Girls in Green are currently second in Group 3 behind Norway who have a better difference but they have also played one game more than Ireland.
Republic of Ireland WNT squad to face Netherlands (Tuesday, November 28. Kick-off; 7pm - 8pm local time)
Goalkeepers: Marie Hourihan (Manchester City), Amanda Budden (Cork City WFC), Amanda McQuillan (Shelbourne)
Defenders: Harriet Scott (Reading), Sophie Perry (Brighton and Hove Albion), Diane Caldwell, (SC Sand), Louise Quinn (Arsenal), Niamh Farrelly (Peamount United), Aislinn Meaney (Galway).
Midfielders: Tyler Toland (Maiden City), Niamh Fahey (Bordeaux), Karen Duggan (UCD Waves), Denise O’Sullivan (NC Courage), Roma McLaughlin (Shelbourne).
Attackers: Katie McCabe (Arsenal, on loan at Glasgow City), Leanne Kiernan (Shelbourne), Heather Payne (Peamount United), Amber Barrett (Peamount United), Claire O’Riordan (Wexford Youths), Isibeal Atkinson (Shelbourne), Ruesha Littlejohn (Celtic).
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