Cape Town - West Bromwich Albion vice-captain Chris Brunt is facing six months on the sidelines which means he will miss the rest of the Premier League season and Euro 2016.
The Northern Ireland international suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the Baggies' 3-2 victory against Crystal Palace at the weekend.
Albion boss Tony Pulis confirmed the injury, and as much as he was disappointed to not have Brunt available for selection, he admitted to being more gutted for the 31-year-old to miss out on his nation's first major tournament in their history.
"It's a big blow for Chris and everyone is feeling for him right now," Pulis told BBC Football.
"It will be disappointing for us not to have him for the rest of the season because he is a terrific player who gives the team great balance.
"But obviously it is made even more cruel because it has denied him a career highlight with Northern Ireland this summer."