'Simply no words' - Former Hibs star suffers nightmare injury in EFL Championship ending 2026 World Cup dream
The Blackburn Rovers man suffered the injury in their victory over Queen’s Park Rangers on Saturday.
Former Hibs full back Lewis Miller suffered an achilles rupture for Blackburn at the weekend, sidelining him for around nine months.
The Australian, who was hoping to be part of the Socceroo’s 2026 World Cup squad, came on for Rovers at half time in their 3-1 away victory over QPR but was stretchered off just nine minutes later. After undergoing surgery, Blackburn have confirmed the injury is as bad as first feared, meaning Miller will miss the rest of the season as well as the World Cup.
Miller made his Ewood Park move in the summer on a three-year deal from Hibs for around £1.5 million. He played 65 times for the Hibees during his three year spell in Leith, with his Easter Road exploits earning him his first Australia cap in 2023.
‘Simply no words’ - World Cup dream over for Miller
Blackburn Rovers confirmed on Monday night via X the severity of Miller’s injury. They said: “Lewis Miller faces around nine months out after rupturing his Achilles in Saturday’s 3-1 win over QPR. The Australian international has undergone surgery and will miss the rest of the season and this summer’s World Cup. We’re all with you, Lewis.”
Meanwhile his National Team side also wished him all the best after the news, posting on the Socceroos’ official Instagram account: “we wish you the best in your recovery, Lewis. We’re all thinking of you.”
Miller himself took to Instagram to react to the news, posting on his story: “simply no words. Cruel world we live in. You best believe I’ll be back better than before, that’s a promise.”
Huge blow to new Rovers boss
The injury to Miller isn’t just a huge blow to Australia boss Tony Popovic, but also to former Hibs midfielder, Michael O’Neill, who was in the stands at Loftus Road on Saturday as he prepares to take over as Blackburn boss. The win against QPR put them three points above of the relegation zone as they go into a frantic Championship run-in.
Miller has made 31 appearances for the Lancashire side this season, missing just three league games. At 25 years of age, the athletic, forward-thinking right back was just starting to hit form ahead of the summer. O’Neill, who was announced as new Rovers boss last week following the dismissal of Valerien Ismael, will now be without the Aussie mainstay.
The Northern Ireland boss plans to stay on with the National Team as well as take on the Blackburn role. After his appointment, O’Neill told the club: “I am grateful to the Irish FA for their support and cooperation in allowing me to take this opportunity. Blackburn Rovers is a historic Premier League-winning club with a proud tradition, and the chance to work at a club of that stature is one I felt was important to embrace.”