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Lee Willamson could face two months on the sidelines with a serious back injury. 'Willo' was shipped in by the gaffer in June from Championship rivals Watford, and whilst featuring in a friendly game in Malta, he was taken off the field against Floriana as a precaution when he seemed to injure his back, but the severity of his injury has become worse.
Kevin Blackwell said: "The back injury came from nowhere in pre-season, he hasn't a history of the problem which flared up in the game against Floriana in Malta.
"The surgeon is reluctant to operate until Lee has given his back one last chance through resting it for a couple of weeks. After that, if it hasn't cleared up, it will be an operation which will keep him out for at least two months.
"It is a big blow and I might well have to look at midfield again as a bit of a priority. Lee would add that bit of composure, energy and the ability to break into the box to score.
"I have got good lads here and I don't want to quickly disrupt what is going quite well so I wouldn't say that I am concerned, but I want to bring in quality as well as strength in depth."
Willo's 'preferred' choice is central-midfield, but despite his injury possibly causing havoc, Lee Hendrie returns from suspension in three games time, which undoubtedly bolsters United's attributions in the middle of the park.