Scotland star Aaron Hickey suffers major injury blow as Brentford boss confirms issue ‘not short term’
AARON HICKEY has been ruled out until after the World Cup by Brentford boss Thomas Frank.
The Scotland ace has played a key role for club and country this season but he won't be playing again for a couple of months at least.
The 20-year old made the move to the English Premier League side in the summer for a then-club record fee of £18million.
He moved to west London from Italy where he'd enjoyed a stellar two years in the Serie A with Bologna.
Hickey made the breakthrough at Hearts while aged just 16 and quickly attracted interest across Europe.
He's been a regular starter for Brentford this season as they look to consolidate their place in the top division in what is their second campaign in the EPL following promotion just over a year ago.
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But he's now set for an extended spell on the sidelines, as confirmed by Bees gaffer Thomas Frank.
He'd featured in all of their league matches this season until he was forced to sit out the 2-0 win over Brighton on Friday night.
That was because he'd suffered an ankle injury in training and was subsequently sent for a scan.
The news ultimately isn't very good and it's been confirmed he's damaged ligaments.
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Confirming the news, Frank said: "Unfortunately, it's not short term.
"He will be out until the World Cup as well (as teammate Pontus Jansson).
"He twisted his ankle and the ligament has been damaged."
Former Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer filled in on the right side of defence in the last match.
Hickey will miss a host of key fixtures, starting with tomorrow night's London derby against Chelsea.
He'll also miss games against Aston Villa, Wolves, Nottingham Forest and Manchester City before the World Cup.
Scotland are also due to play Turkey next month but will likely do so without Hickey.
Hickey played a crucial role in Scotland's Nations League success last month, starting at right back following an injury suffered by Nathan Patterson.
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