Soccer

Jay Rodriguez ruled out for six months

Southampton and England forward will miss the World Cup after rupturing anterior cruciate ligament

Southampton’s Jay Rodriguez is stretchered off after picking up an injury against Man City. It has been confirmed he will miss the World Cup after he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament. Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA Wire
Southampton’s Jay Rodriguez is stretchered off after picking up an injury against Man City. It has been confirmed he will miss the World Cup after he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament. Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA Wire
Mon Apr 07 2014 - 18:48

Jay Rodriguez faces six months on the sidelines after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament, extinguishing the Southampton attacker’s hopes of going to the World Cup.

The 24-year-old was in the running for a spot in England’s 23-man squad, having enjoyed a fine season with Saints in which he netted 17 goals. Such form saw Rodriguez handed his Three Lions debut in November’s friendly against Chile, but his hopes of a spot on the plane to Brazil have been cruelly taken away.

The forward landed awkwardly during Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at Manchester City and Southampton confirmed he has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.

“Southampton Football Club can confirm that, following his injury on Saturday against Manchester City, Jay Rodriguez has been diagnosed as having suffered a rupture to his anterior cruciate ligament,” Southampton said in a statement on Monday.