Leeds United boss Paul Heckingbottom has revealed that youngster Conor Shaughnessy may require surgery after sustaining a serious ankle injury.
The 21-year-old enforcer has not been in the Whites squad for their past two games – against Cardiff and Sheffield United – and it has been revealed that the starlet now looks set for surgery.
The injury that Shaughnessy has sustained is similar to that suffered by right-back Luke Ayling, who was ruled out for the season in January with ankle ligament damage.
Heckingbottom was speaking to the press before the Whites’ clash with Bristol City this weekend, and the news was confirmed by BBC journalist Adam Pope who was in attendance.
Conor Shaughnessy has a similar injury to Luke Ayling & might require surgery. #lufc
— Adam Pope (@apopey) February 16, 2018
Republic of Ireland youth international Shaughnessy has made 14 appearances for Leeds this season since coming through the development squad last year.
OPINION
The news on Shaughnessy’s injury would not normally be a big blow for Leeds, with the youngster not an integral squad member. However, the amount of injuries and suspensions being suffered by Whites players at the moment means that this is an injury that could come back to bite Leeds in the coming weeks. Shaughnessy provides some good cover for their back line, and is a good option to bring off the bench.