Friday 2 September 2016 10:10, UK
Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland is expected to be out for up to two months, following ankle surgery on Monday.
England international Butland fractured the ankle during the 3-2 friendly victory against Germany in Berlin last March, and has yet to play this season with Shay Given deputising in goal for Stoke.
It was originally hoped Butland would be fit to start the season for Stoke but he experienced a setback in training when he damaged scar tissue around the injury.
Mark Hughes was upbeat when discussing Butland's injury after Stoke's 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough on August 13, stating he hoped to the 23-year-old would recover in "two or three weeks".
However, his recovery has not gone as hoped and he now faces an extended spell on the sidelines.
Butland wrote on Twitter: "A little update on the injury! I'll be having a minor operation on Monday to resolve my current ankle issue!
"Rather than push through and risk damaging further, I'd like to have it sorted for good and be back to the levels I was at last year.
"I am as positive as always and will do everything to be back as soon as possible. Thank you for all the support."
