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West Brom defender Dara O’Shea is facing up to six months on the sidelines after fracturing an ankle while on international duty, the Championship club have confirmed.

The 22-year-old suffered the break as well as ligament damage during the first half of the Republic of Ireland’s 2-1 World Cup qualifying defeat in Portugal last Wednesday evening, and will undergo surgery before a lengthy period of rehabilitation.

Baggies boss Valerien Ismael told the club’s official website: “It is sad news for us that Dara has suffered this injury. He has been excellent for us in the opening games of the season and he is a very professional young player.

“I have been very impressed with Dara since I arrived here and I know he will dedicate himself to the rehabilitation required to get back to full fitness.

“Fortunately, the club reacted very quickly to the injury and we have signed Kean Bryan to strengthen our defensive options during Dara’s injury and beyond.”

Baggies close in on free transfer deal

Meanwhile, West Brom are close to signing a former Sheffield United defender on a free transfer, according to reports.

The Baggies brought in five players in the summer transfer window following their relegation from the Premier League. Adam Reach and Alex Mowatt arrived for free, while Matt Clarke, Jordan Hugill and Jayson Molumby were signed on loan.

The Baggies allowed Brazilian-born winger Matheus Pereira to leave The Hawthorns after he fell out with manager Valerien Ismael. Pereira moved to Saudi Arabia to join Al-Hilal, penning a five-year contract.

It looks like West Brom’s transfer business is not yet finished, as Express and Star report that they are set to sign 24-year-old defender Kean Bryan.

The centre-back, who can also operate as a central defensive midfielder, is a free agent after his Sheff Utd contract expired in July.

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