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World Cup heartbreak! Southampton's Jay Rodriguez out for SIX months
SOUTHAMPTON forward Jay Rodriguez will be sidelined for six months after his injury against Manchester City.
The promising 24-year-old was in the running for a place 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.
Jay Rodriguez has been diagnosed as having suffered a rupture to his anterior cruciate ligament
A statement from the club read: "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.
"This will keep him out of action for six months and regrettably means he will not be fit for selection by the English national team at this summer’s FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
"The 24-year-old has already been scanned and has met with a specialist knee surgeon. He will be having a routine operation shortly."