Wigan prop Stuart Fielden has been ruled out for around four months with a knee injury.
Fielden, who made his England international comeback in the 2010 Four Nations, missed Wigan’s opening game of Engage Super League XVI against St Helens after undergoing knee surgery in the close season. He then aggravated the injury playing against his former club Bradford last month.
Wigan coach Michael Maguire said: “It is unfortunate for Stuart and the club that he will be out of action for such a long length of time.
“The knee has required surgery and, although the operation was successful, recovery and full rehab will take between 12 and 16 weeks.
“It is a blow to lose such an experienced player from the side but it will provide an opportunity for someone else in the squad to seize their chance.”
Meanwhile, Wigan’s England international centre Martin Gleeson is thought to have flown to Australia to escape the controversy over his apparent sacking.
Wigan officials are refusing to comment about the future for the former St Helens and Warrington player, who has almost certainly played his last game for the club after an apparent breach of contract.
