Dutch full-back Fabian Wilnis will need a hernia operation in the summer. The former De Graafschap man has had a troubled season in which the club made him available for a free transfer.

Town boss George Burley says Wilnis has been suffering for a while: "Fabian has had discomfort in his groin for some time and a specialist has said that surgery is necessary. He will have the operation as soon as the season is over."

Burley also says that Fab's Town career may not be over: "He asked for a transfer a few months back, but since then has figured in the first team again. We have had no offers for him. He still has a year of his contract to run and could remain with us for next season."

Titus Bramble will also have an operation in the summer on his achilles heel injury.

Jermaine Wright and Keith Branagan have already had operations, Wright a hernia and Branagan on his shoulder. The keeper says he is hopeful that he will be ready for pre-season training in the summer.

Mark Venus remains Town's main doubt ahead of the Liverpool game with his groin problem. He rates his chances of making it as 50/50.

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