Duo to undergo surgery to solve injury problems
Midfielder Andy Whing and goalkeeper Ryan Clarke are to undergo operations this summer and are both likely to miss pre-season as United prepare for 2014/15.
Whing had an injury-troubled season in 2013/14 but will visit a surgeon this week for an operation on his hip which it is hoped will resolve the issues. Meanwhile goalkeeper Clarke, United’s Player of the Season, will have an operation on a troublesome foot injury. He is likely to miss the first month of the season, giving New Zealand under-20 goalkeeper Max Crocombe an opportunity to get a run in the side.
Manager Gary Waddock said:
“It is a shame but they are both long-term injuries that need to be resolved. Having the operations early in the summer will give them both a little extra recovery time. You don’t want to set time scales on these sort of things but they are good pros and we know they will work hard and look to get back soon as possible.
“In Whingy’s case we have Danny Rose, Jon Meades and Josh Ruffels competing for midfield places and Johnny Mullins will be back in pre-season and can play that holding role as well.
“With Ryan we are very fortunate to have Max Crocombe available. He has had to be patient but deserves the opportunity to have a run of games in the side. He is someone we all believe has great ability and real potential.”