Former Aston Villa player Stephen Ireland has suffered a double leg break that required surgery, as his wife, Jessica, posted an update on his condition.
Injury during veterans cup final
The 39-year-old was playing for Wythenshawe over-35s in the Cheshire Veterans Premier Division Cup final against South Liverpool when he was on the receiving end of a sickening tackle. The incident occurred in the first-half when he came out worse in a 50/50 challenge. Wythenshawe were leading 3-0 at the time of the injury thanks to a hat-trick from former Newcastle United striker Papiss Cisse. Ireland is said to have waited around 30 minutes for an ambulance, which entered the field of play at Warrington Rylands' Gorsey Lane, before going to a nearby hospital.
Wife's statement on recovery
Ireland's wife has revealed that he suffered a broken tibia and fibula which required surgery. He is understood to be recovering well. In an Instagram post, Ireland's wife shared a picture holding the former Republic of Ireland international's hand in a hospital bed while wearing his Wythenshawe shirt. She wrote: "I wouldn't usually do such a personal post on here but I just felt I needed to update everyone who has been messaging and asking how Stephen is doing. I feel bad that haven't managed to reply to everyone yet and I didn't want anyone to think I was ignoring their kind concern. I have just been in hospital with Stephen since the incident happened Sunday morning and understandably just focused on getting him better."
She added: "Stephen incurred a 'both-bone' break to his leg, his tibia and fibula were badly broken and therefore he needed surgery. He came out of surgery last night and thankfully all went well, he is now on the road to recovery. We just wanted to thank everyone for the overwhelming concern and support and all the lovely messages! To everyone who was there when it happened and knows how traumatic it was, THANK YOU for the immediate action that was taken and for the incredible support that day. He's got a tough road ahead but anyone that knows Stephen will know he'll be fighting fit as soon as physically possible."
