Walsall Head Coach Matthew Taylor has confirmed that attacking midfielder Rory Holden has suffered yet another injury setback, with the former Bristol City man recently undergoing an operation.
Speaking ahead of this weekend's must-win League Two meeting with Bristol Rovers, Taylor revealed that 24-year-old Holden has undergone surgery on his troublesome knee and will miss the rest of the 2021/22 campaign.
Speaking ahead of this weekend's must-win League Two meeting with Bristol Rovers, Taylor revealed that 24-year-old Holden has undergone surgery on his troublesome knee and will miss the rest of the 2021/22 campaign.
Derry-born Holden, a former Northern Ireland Under-21 international, hasn't made a first-team appearance since April 2021, and looks set for an extended spell on the sidelines following this latest injury setback.
Holden originally suffered an injury to his knee ahead of the Saddlers' League Two meeting with Salford City in December 2020 and, after making a brief return at the end of last season, suffered a further setback meaning that he is yet to feature under Taylor in a competitive fixture.
Speaking to the assembled media, Matthew said; "We have an update on Rory and unfortunately for us and unfortunately for him, he has had another operation on his knee.
Speaking to the assembled media, Matthew said; "We have an update on Rory and unfortunately for us and unfortunately for him, he has had another operation on his knee.
"Just so that everyone is aware, we won’t be seeing him in a Walsall shirt this season. There was a complication that none of us wanted, and we didn’t see it coming.
"Unfortunately, after sending him to see the best knee specialist in the country, he has had to have another procedure and that is going to keep him out for the remainder of the season.
"It is desperately disappointing for Rory because we haven’t been able to get him onto the football pitch.
"I’m disappointed for the football club, and I’m disappointed for the fans because I know how much he is valued.
"It’s been a tough one for Rory, and we will do everything that we possibly can to make sure he comes back as fit as possible."