THE worst news has been confirmed for George Johnston as the club confirmed he stands to miss the whole of the 2023/24 season with a knee injury.

Scans have revealed significant cruciate ligament damage which will require surgery, ruling the former Liverpool defender out for several months.

Johnston was injured just 10 minutes into the opening pre-season friendly at Bamber Bridge, with manager Ian Evatt admitting soon after the game that he suspected a serious injury.

The 24-year-old was one of last season’s outstanding players, making 45 appearances in all competitions. He was also voted the club’s young player of the year in 2021/22.

Wanderers went into pre-season with six centre-backs but are now down to four, with Eoin Toal struggling to overcome an ankle ligament injury he sustained during the Papa Johns Trophy final in April.

News that Johnston will not be available for the whole campaign is almost certain to force Evatt back into the transfer market for cover.

Midfielder MJ Williams had dropped into the back three at the end of last season – but he is soon expected to complete a move to League Two MK Dons.