Dundalk FC can confirm that John Mountney has suffered an ACL injury and will undergo a surgical repair next week.
The five-time League of Ireland winner suffered the damage in a behind-closed-doors friendly with Shelbourne last month.
Mountney suffered a similar injury – albeit on the opposite knee – when he was at St Patrick’s Athletic in 2021 but recovered to make 12 appearances for Dundalk last season.
Lilywhites head coach Stephen O’Donnell confirmed the bad news after Friday night’s 1-1 draw with UCD and he said it was a devastating blow for his former teammate.
“If ever a man didn’t deserve it, it’s John,” said O’Donnell. “That’s his second cruciate in a year and a half and with the amount of work he put in to get back, how good a professional he is, and what a good influence he is around the place, he’s the last man that deserves it, to be honest with you.”
Mountney will go under the knife on Thursday but O’Donnell said the 29-year-old would still have a major role in Dundalk’s season.
“People don’t see the influence that John has between a Monday and a Friday and the way he conducts himself. He’s in for the operation this week and when he begins his rehab he’ll have a massive part to play.
“He’s a Dundalk legend and, as I said, I’m heartbroken for him and so are all the players and the staff but he’ll come back stronger and he’s already in doing full gym sessions and making sure his knee is strong going into the operation next week.”
Everyone at the club would like to wish John the very best of luck with his recovery and we look forward to seeing him back on the pitch soon.
