Chester FC midfielder Gary Stopforth undergoes operation on knee injury

Gary Stopforth is edging closer to a Chester FC return as he undergoes an operation on his knee injury today.

The 32-year-old central midfielder has been an absentee for the Blues since tearing a meniscus in his knee during the 2-1 win over AFC Telford United in December, a game where Akwasi Asante also picked up an injury that saw him sidelined for six weeks.

Stopforth, who bought himself out of his contract at Colne in the summer in order to join Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley's Blues, had been a key cog in the Chester midfield prior to picking up his injury, with his energy and industry making him a fans' favourite.

The former Stockport County man, who has made 25 appearances in all competitions for the Blues this season, had been waiting for the PFA to step in to help sort his operation but with the wait to go under the knife much longer taking that route the club have stepped in to help get Stopforth his operation in a more timely fashion.

The rehabilitation period for Stopforth is a matter of weeks and he could be back in time to play a part in Chester's bid to reach the National League North play offs.

The Blues currently sit eighth, one point and one place outside the play-off places ahead of their trip to fellow promotion chasers Bradford (Park Avenue) on Saturday (3pm).

Sean McAllister could return for Chester following injury but Ben McKenna, Simon Grand and Asante could all miss out through injury.

McKenna and Grand had scans come back for knee injuries but neither will require surgery and a period of rehabilitation will now begin to ensure a timely return to action in the coming weeks.

Asante is a major doubt after feeling pain in his tendon at the back of his knee during the 4-1 win over Boston United at the weekend which saw him withdrawn at the break to avoid any further damage.

He will be assessed at training this evening before a decision is made.