Preston boss Alex Neil has today confirmed that goalkeeper Declan Rudd is likely to miss the rest of the season.
Rudd picked up an injury in training last week, and whilst Neil initially played down the rumours of him being out, it did turn out to be true.
North End at least moved quickly to make a new signing, as Leicester City goalkeeper Daniel Iversen has arrived on loan for the rest of the season.
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Rudd went under the knife earlier this week to repair his knee injury, and some have wondered just how long he will miss as he looks to recover.
Well, Neil has today admitted that Rudd’s season is likely to be over, with North End only learning the extent of the damage on Monday.
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“I don’t think Declan will feature again this season,” Neil said to BBC Radio Lancashire. “I think that’s probably his season done.”
“It was unopposed, his knee got caught under him, and unfortunately he’s damaged his knee. Until the surgeon went in, which was on Monday, we didn’t realise the extent of what was going to have to get done,” he added.
Rudd’s absence means he will be unregistered from the Championship squad, and it is now up to Iversen and Connor Ripley to fight it out for a starting role.
This won’t be an easy decision; Iversen has only spent a week with North End, and throwing him in may be something of a gamble.
Ripley has been waiting for his run in the side, but his sporadic performances in cup competitions haven’t exactly inspired confidence.
We’ll back Iversen to start at Bristol City this weekend – and this is a big chance for him to try and take Rudd’s place long-term if he can earn a permanent move.