Reading loanee Dom Ballard has confirmed that his surgery has gone well following his season-ending injury at Wycombe Wanderers.
The 18-year-old scored five goals in 12 appearances on loan from Southampton, but his campaign is over after suffering an injury to his patella tendon in the Royals' 2-1 win over Wycombe Wanderers.
Visiting a surgeon in London, the striker is expected to be missing for up to 12 months.
Speaking to the Southern Daily Echo, the Saints' boss Russell Martin said: "It went well. I spoke to Dom before and have shared a couple of messages since.
"He is in a lot of pain, physically and mentally I'm sure. He's a brilliant boy, really resilient and with lots of energy. It's such a shame.
"He was just starting to come into his own at Reading and he had a great trip away with England. Sometimes, it happens."
Posting on his Instagram, the teenager said: "Operation was successful ✅ The road to recovery starts now."
He was Reading's second top scorer so far this season.
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