Motherwell duo Sam Nicholson and Shane Blaney need surgery

Motherwell have suffered fresh injury woe after Sam Nicholson and Shane Blaney discovered they need surgery.

The pair were among 12 players who were unavailable for selection for Michal Wimmer’s first game as the club’s manager and they will not be returning any time soon.

Motherwell revealed Blaney had suffered a knee injury.

A statement added: “The Irish defender has since been to see a consultant and is now awaiting surgery. He will be missing for a period of time.”

Nicholson missed the first five months of the season with a problem with his patellar tendon and is now back on the long-term absentee list.

The club said: “Sam Nicholson has also picked up an injury that will require surgery. It is expected Nicholson will be missing for a number of months.”

Wimmer will have Tony Watt back in his squad for his first home match in charge, against Dundee on Wednesday, after the on-loan Dundee United forward was ineligible for Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Tannadice.

Wing-back Marvin Kaleta will soon be in contention after a knee problem while striker Apostolos Stamatelopoulos has stepped up his comeback from a calf injury.

Wimmer said on Monday afternoon: “Marvin Kaleta was in training today. He’s back. AP (Stamatelopoulos) trained the whole session with the team. He’s back, this is very good. There are two good players.

“It brings us other options. I don’t know if it is enough time for Wednesday, but I think after the break, after the Rangers game, we will have more options.”

Motherwell remain without Jack Vale, Steve Seddon, Ross Callachan, Paul McGinn, Zach Robinson and goalkeepers Archie Mair and Aston Oxborough with long-term injuries.

They have also suffered another blow this week when forward Filip Stuparevic was diagnosed with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament after damaging his knee while playing on loan for Morton.

Like Nicholson, the Serbian is contracted at Fir Park until the summer of 2026. Blaney’s deal expires at the end of this season.