Motherwell have been dealt a major blow with news that defender Calum Butcher will be sidelined at the start of the season and will "miss a number of weeks".
A statement issued by the Fir Park club says that Butcher has undergone surgery on a foot injury he sustained in the 1-1 draw at Livingston in the penultimate game of last season.
The Englishman, who counts Dundee United and Burton Albion amongst his previous clubs, was signed in February and played a key role in Motherwell's reversal of fortunes that saw them secure a seventh-placed Premiership finish.
Butcher, 32, won the coaches' player of the year award at Motherwell.
Motherwell said on their website: "Calum Butcher will remain sidelined for the start of the new season and will miss a number of weeks thereafter.
"Butcher now faces a spell on the sidelines as he begins his recovery.
"We wish Calum well for his recovery and look forward to seeing him back on the pitch."
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