Chelsea have confirmed Wayne Bridge has undergone surgery on his troublesome hip injury.
Bridge looks certain to miss the start of the new season next month after being forced to go under the knife.
The England international had been struggling with the problem in training and after seeing a specialist it was decided to send him for surgery to correct the injury
Chelsea club doctor Alex Nieper confirmed Bridge could be sidelined for up to three months with the problem.
"Wayne Bridge has been struggling with a right hip problem for the last few weeks," Nieper told Chelsea TV.
"We decided while we were out here for him to see a world-renowned hip surgeon who agreed he did need hip surgery due to a cartilage defect.
"The operation was carried out this week and a piece of bone was removed which was the source of the problem. Wayne is not on crutches and should be back in two to three months."
With Ashley Cole also still recovering from injury, it means summer signing Tal Ben Haim is likely to deputise at left-back for the first few weeks of the season.
Meanwhile, there is better news on Michael Ballack who should be fit for the big kick-off.
Ballack has missed Chelsea's tour of America after undergoing an ankle operation.
The German is making good progress in his recovery and Nieper is confident he will be available for the opening weekend of the season.
"Michael is recovering from a second ankle operation and he went back to Germany to see the surgeon who is happy with the wound," added Nieper.
"Michael is back in London, getting his stitches removed and this week he is starting running again so fingers crossed, he will be set for the first Premier League match."
Source : www.skysports.com
By Peter ORourke - Created on 17 Jul 2007
