Ireland have been handed a huge blow as Burnley have confirmed Josh Cullen suffered an ACL injury against Everton last week.
It means not only will Cullen miss Ireland’s game against Czechia in March, he’d also miss the World Cup were Ireland to qualify.
It’s a desperate development for Heimir HallgrÃmsson as Ireland plot their path to the World Cup. Central midfield is Ireland’s weakest position and Cullen will leave a huge void. Cullen has 47 Ireland caps and though some may wish to see more of his club form while on international duty, he’s been a vital part of the Ireland squad for five years.
Burnley confirmed the news on Tuesday and Cullen’s club manager Scott Parker provided more detail on his rehab schedule to the Burnley Express after Burnley’s defeat to Newcastle.
“ACLs are normally around about nine months, so that’s where probably Josh will be.”
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Asked if he’ll be looking to strengthen his squad in light of the injury, Parker had more praise for Cullen.
“It’s something we certainly probably need to look at because Josh is a huge loss to us.
“It’s not only what he gives us on the pitch, what we’ve seen throughout this year – he’s probably one of our best performers – but to lose him on the pitch as well as off it, and what he gives us is a big loss.
After the highs of the Portugal and Hungary victories, Ireland fans turn the calendar into 2026 with doubts. The likes of Will Smallbone and Jayson Molumby will become increasingly important as Ireland aspire for two more wins in March.
Confusion over Chedozie Ogbene’s immediate future
Another Ireland stalwart in a difficult place heading into January is Chedozie Ogebene.
It was reported over the weekend by Alan Nixon on Patreon that Ogbene is no longer in the plans of Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder.
Ogbene has not made an appearance for the Blades since injuring his hamstring in Budapest on Ireland duty in November. He was sent out on loan from Ipswich before the transfer window closed in August.
Ogbene’s loan agreement reportedly has no termination clause which complicates matters further.
‘It would take another club making an offer for the Irishman’, according to Nixon. However it’s unclear what options Ogbene has in England as he’s already played for Ipswich and Sheffield United this season.
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