Sunderland manager Jack Ross will be rocked with the news that striker Will Grigg has been ruled out of Northern Ireland's Euro 2020 qualifiers against Estonia and Belarus with an ankle injury, with the 27-year-old returning to his club for treatment.

The Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill said via Chronicle Live: "Will's ankle is an ongoing problem that he's had for some time," adding "He wasn't going to be in contention for Thursday night and it was unrealistic to expect him to be ready for Sunday,"

The injury will come as a blow to Ross, with a Checkatrade Trophy final against Portsmouth looming plus the small matter of an automatic promotion battle in League One.

So how big of a blow is Grigg's injury to Sundarland?

We discuss.......

Gary Hutchinson

“When you’ve got £4m tied up in a player, any injury is a worry.

“If he sneezes in training you start to panic.

“They’re not adequately covered up front, not unless Wyke starts scoring.

“This is a serious concern.”

Louie Chandler

"It is certainly a concern.

"From what Michael O'neill had to say it does not sound too disastrous.

"But considering it is a recurring injury that hampered his time at Wigan, there is certainly cause for concern."

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Alfie Burns

“It’s a massive, massive worry.

“Grigg was brought in to get Sunderland over the line and if they lost him for a significant period they might struggle to get the job done.

“Ross will be sweating on this.”

Jay Taylor

“It is slightly, yes, considering he was just hitting form.

“The Checkatrade Trophy final is coming up soon, too, so without him, the odds could be stacked in Portsmouth’s favour.

“Not to mention the league battle they face if they wish to go up automatically.”