Striker Jon Walters looks set to miss much of the rest of the season due to his ongoing knee problem. The former Chester man is out of Saturday's home game with Charlton and could have surgery next week.

Physio Matt Byard said: "Jon has a cartilage tear to his left knee. The injury was aggravated against Sheffield United and he has since seen a specialist.

"An operation has been recommended and that is likely to be the next step, although nothing will be confirmed until after the weekend.

"If he does have surgery, we are looking at a six-week recovery period, which means he could be back for the last game or two of the season or the play-offs if we finish in the top six."

Boss Jim Magilton conceded that losing Walters would be a setback: "It's definitely a blow because Jon has been fantastic for us this season.

"The medical boys have nursed him through but it now looks as though we have reached a point where he needs surgery."

Fellow frontman Danny Haynes is a doubt ahead of Saturday's game with a groin problem, while full-back Sito has an ankle injury.

Meanwhile, Fulham's Dejan Stefanovic is claimed to be amongst Jim Magilton's loan targets. The Town manager is on the lookout for a striker and central defender to boost the Blues' play-off push.

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