Dunfermline have been dealt a huge blow with the news that striker Ryan Wallace has suffered a stress fracture in his pelvis.
The former Hearts and East Fife marksman has been ordered to rest after scans revealed the crack when he complained of back pain as he struggled for fitness following surgery in the summer.
The 24-year-old has made just two substitute’s appearances this season after missing the climax to last term with a groin problem that eventually saw him undergo a double hernia operation.
The Bellshill-born player is expected to have another x-ray on his pelvis next week to investigate the speed of the healing process, but is expected to be sidelined for weeks before being cleared to begin yet another comeback.
Manager Jim Jefferies explained: “Ryan was complaining about his back, but what we have discovered is he’s got a stress fracture in his pelvis, which is causing the back pain. He’s had a tough time, but it’s just unfortunate.
“There’s no cure for it other than rest, so it will be driving him daft, because he just wanted to get back playing.”
