West Bromwich Albion midfielder Gareth Barry has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury and will have an operation next week.

The 38-year-old has been an important player for the Baggies this season, but has struggled with a knee injury since the beginning of March.

The experienced midfielder will undergo surgery on his injured knee next week, in the hope of returning fit for pre-season.

The Championship club confirmed the news on Twitter earlier today.

Barry has made 24 appearances for Albion in the Championship this season, scoring one goal in the win over Sheffield United in December.

West Brom are currently fourth in the Championship table, nine points outside the automatic promotion places and look set to finish the season in the play-offs.

The club confirmed earlier this week that caretaker manager James Shan remain in charge until the end of the season, as the team look to win promotion to the Premier League.

Albion face Hull City at the Hawthorns tomorrow, before travelling to the Madejski Stadium to face Reading on Monday, as the team look to cement their position in the play-offs.

The Verdict:

Barry has been an important player for West Brom this season and will be a big miss for the play-offs.

Perhaps it is a sensible decision for the midfielder to have surgery, as he cannot afford to take many risks at this stage of his career.

Barry must now focus on being ready for pre-season, in the hope that he will play a part for the team in the 2019-20 campaign.