Bristol Rovers, Joey Barton and Sam Nicholson received the news they were fearing this week: the Scotsman has been ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Rovers' most dynamic attacking player has been nursing a hip injury since the turn of the year and surgery at the end of the season was inevitable.
However, the Gas medical staff were managing the issue from game to game and Nicholson was able to return to action in February after a month out.
But he was forced off at Charlton Athletic last week, and scans have revealed he has exacerbated the damage, accelerating the need for an operation.
"Sammy’s out for the season," Barton said. "He’s had an ongoing issue and he’s going to have to get surgery on it.
"He was trying to play through it for us and battle on because he cares massively about the club.
"It’s gone in that game at Charlton and we lose a massive player for us."
Nicholson has eight goals and three assists for the Gas this season and has often been their primary source of attacking inspiration, but the Rovers boss will have to find a way to safety without the former Hearts man.
