City boss Phil Parkinson confirmed after his side’s F.A Cup with Budweiser First Round draw at Northampton Town that Andrew Davies would indeed be ruled out for three to four months.
City assistant Steve Parkin first mentioned the club’s concerns over Davies’ injury situation this Thursday, but Parkinson has now revealed that Davies will be sidelined for as long as they feared after undergoing a knee operation yesterday (Friday).
Parkinson said: "Andrew had his operation on Friday and he will be out for three to four months as we thought."
"It's obviously a big blow to us because Davo's a big character for us.
"It wasn't really until we got back on the coach on Tuesday night (after the Wigan Athletic tie) that we got confirmation that Andrew's injury was as bad as it is. The surgeon wasn't 100% about the injury until that point."
With Davies' injury leaving Carl McHugh and Rory McArdle now as the only two fit recognised central defenders at the club despite Nathan Doyle playing in that position at Northampton, Parkinson is on the verge of bringing in a new defensive recruit.
Twenty year-old John Egan is set to join the club on Monday on a two-month loan deal from Premier League side Sunderland ahead of this Tuesday’s npower League 2 home match with Chesterfield.
Parkinson believes the 6’ 2’’ central defender, who has been capped at Under 17, 19, and 21 level for the Republic of Ireland, has all the characteristics to become a popular member of his squad once the deal is sealed.
Parkinson said: "John will be coming in to train with us on Monday and will be available to us for Tuesday (vs Chesterfield) once everything has been signed.
"I went to see him play for Sunderland's Under 21s on Thursday. He's a good size, he's strong and he likes to put his head in.
"Most importantly as well, I believe he'll have the right mentality to help him settle in quickly with the boys and buy into what we're trying to do here.
"We'll look at John and the general freshness of the rest of our defensive players to see which back four we go with for Tuesday."