New Zealand international defender Nando Pijnaker is likely to be sidelined “for an extended period” after breaking ribs in a collision with his own goalkeeper.
Pijnaker (25) collided with ‘keeper Ed McGinty in their Easter Monday match for League of Ireland club Sligo Rovers against St Patrick’s Athletic.
The incident caused immediate concern for officials who stopped play for eight minutes while the pair received treatment on the pitch.
Pijnaker was taken from the ground to hospital in Dublin where he was kept for two days.
The club has since confirmed he has broken ribs.
“We can confirm that Nando Pijnaker suffered broken ribs in the recent game v St Patrick’s Athletic, which will see the defender out of first team action for an extended period,” the club’s statement says.
“Wishing Nando a speedy recovery.”
Goalkeeper McGinty was reported to have suffered whiplash-like injuries following the collision.
Pijnaker played for Ngongotaha, Western Suburbs and Eastern Suburbs in New Zealand before heading overseas in 2019 and building a professional career leading to his regular inclusion in All Whites squads.
He has 19 caps for New Zealand.
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