Howard set for surgery

Midfielder needs surgery on broken jaw

Last updated: 30th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Howard set for surgery

Howard: Suffered broken jaw

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Reading have confirmed that Brian Howard is set to go under the surgeon's knife on Monday after he suffered a broken jaw in the 2-1 defeat at Derby.

The 26-year-old midfielder had to be replaced by Jem Karacan in the 20th minute at Pride Park and is now set to have metal plates inserted.

The club are not sure how long the player will be out for but it is a big blow as Howard has been a regular starter since his switch from Sheffield United for an undisclosed fee in early September.

Physio Jon Fearn told the club's official website: "He has fractured his mandible, which is his jaw, and he's having surgery today to put stabilising plates in.

"It's difficult to say how long he will be out, we will see how the operation goes.

"Under normal circumstances it's 4-6 weeks before you're allowed contact but it could be sooner with protection."

Long suspended

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that striker Shane Long will be suspended for three games following his red card at Derby.

Long received his marching orders in the 80th minute following a late challenge on Fredrik Stoor and the FA confirmed on Monday that the striker's dismissal was for serious foul play and a three-match ban will now follow.