Stoke City midfielder Stephen Ireland suffers broken leg in training
Stoke City's Stephen Ireland broke his leg in training on Tuesday, bringing an early end to a season blighted by injury for the midfielder.
Stoke said the 29-year-old was now set for "an extended spell on the sidelines", ruling him out of their final league game of the campaign, at home to West Ham United on Sunday.
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"The club wishes Stephen a speedy recovery and will offer him all the support he requires as he undergoes his rehabilitation," Stoke said in a statement.
Ireland, who has made only 16 appearances this season, played against Crystal Palace on Saturday, having sat out the previous month through injury.
Ireland has suffered a number of hamstring problems this season and has started no Premier League games over the whole campaign. His three starts have all come in cup competitions.