 Aaron Hughes will be out for up to three weeks |
Northern Ireland have suffered a major blow ahead of next month's World Cup qualifying games with skipper Aaron Hughes undergoing minor surgery. Hughes is expected to be out for at least three weeks, missing the game against Wales in Belfast on 8 October, and the trip to Austria on 12 October.
"It was something I needed done. I felt it go in the second half of the Chelsea game at the weekend," said Hughes.
"Hopefully it will not be too long before I'm back."
The 25-year-old Aston Villa defender, who led Northern Ireland to victory over England earlier this month, could also miss the big local derby against Birmingham on 15 October.
Villa boss David O'Leary said: "It is a blow because he has been a good solid player for us, but it was something that needed doing.
"He has already had the operation and we are hoping, with the international break, he might be back for the Birmingham game."
It is the second operation of this kind that Hughes has had. A few years ago he had problem on his right side, now the exact same condition has appeared on the opposite side.
It leaves NI boss Lawrie Sanchez with a major problem in his defence.
With Southampton's Chris Baird suspended for the game against Wales and Mark Clyde still recovering from injury, the 46-times capped Hughes's absence leaves a massive void.
MMIX
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