Leeds and England suffer as McGuire out for the season

The England international suffered a break to his fibula in the loss at Hull FC last week and yesterday underwent surgery to plate the fracture.

Initially it was hoped the prolific half-back would be able to return to action within as little as eight weeks but subsequent scans before the operation revealed ligament damage as well which could mean up to a four-month lay-off.

Of course, that would effectively rule him out of the World Cup, too, which is a cruel blow considering he was firmly in Steve McNamara’s England plans as a member of their elite training squad.

McGuire, 30, had not featured since 2009 but was recently putting real pressure on both club colleague Kevin Sinfield and Castleford Tigers’ Rangi Chase for a major role in the national side.

Super League’s all-time top try-scorer is traditionally a quick healer but it would take a remarkable effort for him to be available – and, more pertinently, actually match-fit – for the tournament which opens for England against Australia in Cardiff on October 26.

More important for Leeds, whose loss against Hull was a fourth successive reverse, is how the champions will cope without such an integral member of their side.

Six-time Grand Final winner McGuire has missed large chunks of a campaign before, most notably in 2011 after recovering from a major knee reconstruction.

However, then he returned 
mid-season to help fire their charge to Old Trafford whereas now they are missing him at a pivotal stage.

It seems experienced hooker Rob Burrow will be tasked with reverting to his traditional role of scrum-half to ease the loss while teenager Stevie Ward could operate there, too, but he is still some weeks away from a return after shoulder surgery of his own.

Academy half-back Liam Sutcliffe, meanwhile, only made his Super League debut last month.

Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington has previously said they will put their faith in the club’s youth system to offset their current injury plight so delving into the transfer market is unlikely.

“This is a bitter blow for Danny and the team,” admitted Leeds head coach Brian McDermott.

“We had hoped he would be back sooner rather than later but the scans were not good news and it is going to be a lengthy lay-off.

“Danny has been in this situation before and I know he will be able to handle it mentally but it is certainly a blow.

“Our medical team will give him the best possible support and I am sure he will be working hard to get back to full fitness,” he added.