Surman to be out for at least two months

Midfielder Andrew Surman is the latest addition to City’s casualty list – and is likely to be sidelined for at least two months.

The summer signing from Wolves missed the 2-1 home win over Barnsley after injuring his knee in training.

Manager Paul Lambert chose to keep the news under wraps – Surman was even the featured player on City’s own programme cover – but admitted afterwards that the 24-year-old had suffered the injury four days before the game.

“Surman has hurt his knee. He did it on Tuesday,” said Lambert. “He’ll be out for a couple of months. It’s not a cruciate or anything like that but he’ll be out for a number of weeks.

“He’s been brilliant, it’s a blow but you just have to get on with it. Simon Lappin came in for his first game and I thought he was excellent.”

Goalkeeper John Ruddy was also absent on Saturday, making way for 19-year-old Declan Rudd, but the former Everton man may be fit to return for tomorrow night’s Championship game at Doncaster.

“Ruddy had a severe dead leg on Thursday and we tried him on Friday but he just wasn’t ready,” said Lambert.

With defender Michael Nelson sidelined by an ankle injury, Zak Whitbread still recovering from calf trouble and Steven Smith (ankle) only just back in training, City have had their share of absentees, but Lambert is reluctant to delve into the loan market unless absolutely necessary.

He said: “You never say never. But I wouldn’t go and spend money that’s not there. We can only do what we can do.”

City are hopeful that striker Chris Martin, who scored the winner against Barnsley, will be available tomorrow night despite a scheduled court appearance earlier in the day.