Wanderers’ defender George Johnston is to undergo knee surgery and is likely to miss the duration of the 2023/24 season.
Johnston was injured in Saturday’s opening pre-season win at Bamber Bridge and scans have confirmed he will require an operation to repair anterior cruciate ligament damage followed by a lengthy period of rehabilitation.
The Whites will now give the 24-year-old – a mainstay of the Wanderers’ defensive unit under manager Ian Evatt since his signing two years ago – the best possible treatment and care to aid his return to action.
“As we feared, it’s the worst possible news, although there are no further complications which can be the case. It’s quite a straight-forward one, so there are some positives to take,” said Evatt.
The loss of Johnston reduces Wanderers’ defensive options, although the Whites have secured the services of central defender Will Forrester this summer as they continue to look to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season.