Message from Joe after op on injury
NOTTINGHAM Forest winger Joe Lolley has undergone surgery on the hamstring injury which is likely to have ended his season early.
The 28-year-old pulled up in the first half of the 1-1 draw with Reading a week ago and limped off in the 34th minute.
Reds boss Chris Hughton confirmed Lolley had suffered a hamstring tear and there was “every chance” he could miss the remainder of the campaign.
Lolley has now posted a picture on social media website Instagram which appears to have been taken from a hospital bed, with the message “op complete” and a tick.
Lolley has struggled to find his best form this term, but had been playing well before being forced off against the Royals.
That was his 30th appearance of the season, with Forest having eight more games to go before the campaign ends.
Prior to the midweek defeat to Norwich City, Hughton said of Lolley: “We knew afterwards, because of the way he pulled up, that it was a hamstring tear - it was just to what degree.
“We are still determining that and he will see a specialist to find out the extent of it, but he is going to be out for a good period of time, so that’s bad news. There’s every chance he could be out for the season.
“We always try to be as optimistic as possible, but it’s starting to look that way.
“It’s disappointing for us, but mostly for Joe.
“He was having a really good period of the game in what has been a very up and down season for him. You’re always thinking that would turn and he could have a good end to the season.
“It’s disappointing and frustrating - certainly for us, but mostly for him.
“Everybody at the club knows what he can do.
“It’s a big blow. He’ll have to get his mind very much focused on recovering, getting fit and coming back next season.”
Lolley had previously posted a message which said: “Thank you for all your messages. Always disappointing to finish a season early due to injury.
“At least next time I get to step out onto the pitch, fingers crossed it’ll be at a packed out City Ground.”