Middlesbrough centre-back David Wheater has undergone successful surgery on damaged knee cartilage on Thursday, the club have confirmed.
England Under-21 international Wheater played through the pain barrier in the final few weeks of Boro’s Premier League campaign, but was unable to prevent the club from being relegated to The Championship.
Having now had an operation on his knee, the 22-year-old is set for a rehabilitation programme which should have him ready for the Teesside outfit’s pre-season preparations.
A club spokesman said: "This morning's surgery was a complete success and Wheater is expected to be ready to return to pre-season training."
Despite his insistence that he wants to remain at The Riverside Stadium to help Boro bounce straight back to the top flight, Academy product Wheater has been linked with a summer move.
Fellow defender Chris Riggott has also been under the knife, with the 28-year-old having had ankle surgery.
Riggott, who missed the end of Boro’s season, made just 20 appearances for Gareth Southgate’s side in a campaign dogged by injuries.