Leeds United midfielder Adam Forshaw is set to travel to the USA for surgery on a hip injury, the Championship side have confirmed.

Forshaw has been restricted to just eight appearances in all competitions this season as a result of the injury, which has so far refused to go away, with the midfielder featuring just once since the end of August.

Due to the persistent nature of the injury, Leeds have now decided to send the midfielder to the States for surgery, a decision that will bring an end to any chance the 28-year-old had of returning to action this season.

During his time in America, Forshaw will attend the Steadman Clinic in Colorado, where he will work with Dr Marc Philippon, who is known for his work on hip problems suffered by high-profile athletes.

It is hoped that the surgery will allow Forshaw to be ready for pre-season, when Leeds will hope they are preparing for a return to the Premier League, with the club currently second in the Championship, one point clear of the play-off places following their 1-1 draw at Brentford on Tuesday night.

The Verdict

This will be a big blow for Leeds.

They have looked short on options to turn to as it is in recent weeks, and confirmation that Forshaw is set to be out for the rest of the season only puts further pressure on the rest of the side in the next few months.

Indeed, with Leeds rather staggering towards the finishing line at the minute, Forshaw's past promotion-winning experience with Middlesbrough could certainly have been useful for Marcelo Bielsa's side here.

Even so, with that injury continuing to cause problems, it is possible he would not have been available for the rest of the campaign, so it arguably makes sense for Forshaw to go for this surgery anyway, to give him a chance to get back to playing football as soon as possible.