Socceroos star 'gutted' as another cruel injury set to sideline him for a year
A "gutted" Socceroos star Harry Souttar is facing up to a year on the sideline due to a devastating injury.
The towering defender ruptured his Achilles tendon while playing for Sheffield United on Friday.
United manager Chris Wilder confirmed the news following the team's draw against West Bromwich Albion on Monday morning.
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"He is absolutely gutted," Wilder said.
"(We are) devastated for him, he loved it here.
"He has been a great player to work with - great personality, great character.
"Big disappointment to lose the big fella because he has been incredible."
Harry Souttar of the Socceroos. Mike Owen via Getty Images
The 26-year-old had been on loan to United from Premier League club Leicester City.
Souttar posted a message to Sheffield United fans after learning his time at the club was over.
"Thanks to everyone at Sheffield United," Souttar said on Instagram.
"Amazing club with great people.
"Unfortunately, that's me out for a while but I wish everyone at the club all the best for the rest of the season and beyond.
"Once a blade always a blade."
Souttar spent months on the sideline after rupturing an anterior cruciate ligament in his knee in late 2021.
He made it back to help the Socceroos to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Australia made a brilliant run to the round of sixteen.
The Socceroos will now be without Souttar - a gun defender and a key goal-scoring target on corners - for upcoming World Cup qualifying games against Indonesia and China.
The Aussies sit second in Group C under new coach Tony Popovic as they desperately aim to qualify for the 2026 event.
