Birmingham City supporters have been expressing their sadness over the news that goalkeeper Matija Sarkic will now be out for the season.
The 24-year-old recently returned to Compton Park to get checked out for an injury he suffered against QPR.
Sarkic picked up his injury in an innocuous incident at the end of the game last week, throwing the ball out to Kristian Pedersen.
He required treatment straight away, and was then substituted for George Friend.
It turns out Sarkic actually dislocated his shoulder. And Blues boss Lee Bowyer has revealed the player will have surgery.
He said (via BBC Sport): “He was in a bad way and will have an operation – it’s disappointing.
“He came in and did well, improved, and it’s a shame it’s ended that way.
“He’ll be going back to Wolves and having surgery – hopefully he recovers quickly.”
Sarkic made 23 appearances for the Championship club, and enjoyed a pretty decent spell, keeping 10 clean sheets.
It’s a double blow for Birmingham, with Wolves recalling Dion Sanderson from his loan days ago.
Birmingham fans react to news Matija Sarkic is out for the season
On social media, Birmingham fans have been expressing their grief about Sarkic being unable to play again this season.
He has clearly made a big impression at St Andrew’s.
Plenty believe that the Montenegro international has been one of the team’s better performers this season.
Many are wishing the star well in his recovery:
Gutted. Absolute privilege to watch as always gave Blues full commitment.
— Robert Boland (@RobertBoland14) January 6, 2022
Gutted !!! All the best with your recovery @sarkicmatija , hope this is not the last we see of you in a blues shirt #kro
— mick🏴 (@mickyh01) January 6, 2022
Absolutely gutted man, bloke took his chance and didn’t look back, kept us in so many games this season, hope to see him back next season 👊🏻
— Declan (@DecDavis_) January 6, 2022
Gutted about this, definitely been our best player so far this season
— Kian Lennon (@lennonkian_) January 6, 2022
He’s been bit of a revelation this season. Not good for us but pretty awful for him. Good luck @sarkicmatija ,hope recovery is full&rapid,and thanks!#KeepRightOn
— NotHeardTheLozzedOfThis (@FoundLozzed) January 6, 2022
I’m still crying my eyes out but just want to say thank you for everything @sarkicmatija you’ve been class this season so it hurts a lot but all the best for the future💙
Also Blues please sign him in the summer I beg
— Brad (@Bradley_AJ) January 6, 2022
I feel sarkic injury could have the worst impact out of all the other injurys we have had this season #BCFC
— Jtbcfc (@jtbcfc1988) January 6, 2022