Mark Wood has learned he requires a second operation on his troublesome left ankle, with the England and Durham fast bowler facing up to eight weeks out of action as a result.
The 26-year-old had surgery on the front of the joint in November in a bid to end the discomfort that saw painkilling injections required during his breakthrough international summer last year.
But after reporting further issues in pre-season with Durham – and despite a further jab – Wood saw a specialist in the Netherlands today, who discovered a small piece of bone is causing irritation at the back of the joint and a keyhole procedure to remove it is needed.
Wood, who earned an England central contract last year, has been hampered by injuries in his fledging career and while he is ruled out of facing the early summer tourists Sri Lanka, he will retain some hope of returning to fitness in time to play Pakistan, with the first Test at Lord’s starting on 14 July.
The right-armer has played eight Tests since making his debut against New Zealand last May, taking 25 wickets, and was a key part of the attack who saw Australia beaten 3-2, taking the wicket that regained the Ashes at Trent Bridge.
Wood featured in England’s tour party to the United Arab Emirates in October playing the first two Tests against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi and Dubai – the latter arguably his best international performance with the ball – before the ankle issue resurfaced and saw him ruled out of the limited-overs series.
As part of the rehabilitation following his first operation, Wood spent time in South Africa with England’s Performance Programme before joining up with the senior squad during their limited-overs series to continue working in the nets.
An expected comeback for Durham’s Second XI against Scotland was this week aborted following further pain in the area, something Wood hopes will be remedied by this second procedure set to take place at the end of this week or the beginning of next.
