He was forced off the pitch at Plymouth Argyle

Preston North End winger Robbie Brady is set for a spell on the sidelines, with the ankle injury sustained at Plymouth Argyle.

The Republic of Ireland international had to be forced off, early on, during last Saturday’s trip to Home Park. After competing for a header, he landed awkwardly and - following treatment from the physio - hobbled off the pitch.

While the second half was being contested, Brady was seen returning to the dugout on crutches - and he left the ground wearing a protective boot. In Monday’s pre-match press conference, boss Paul Heckingbottom confirmed the latest on the injury.

“It’s a nasty ankle one,” said Heckingbottom. “He obviously jumped for the header, came down and landed on the lad’s foot - which has meant he’s flipped his ankle. So, he has got ankle ligament damage there and we are talking weeks.

“We won’t be seeing Robbie for a bit. Hopefully, when we do get him back, we get him back in the place we left him - because he was performing really well for us. Josh (Bowler) was ill and he has trained today. So yeah, Robbie out and Josh back in (for Arsenal).”