WILL Hoskins could face a shorter lay-off with a groin injury than feared after a specialist advised surgery was not needed.

The 28-year-old required gas and air to numb the pain after tearing a tendon in the game at Southend United earlier this month.

Hoskins was ruled out until the new year, but avoiding an operation may see a quicker return.

Assistant head coach Derek Fazackerley said: “Surgery isn’t necessary, which hopefully will shorten his recovery period slightly, but it’s still going to be maybe a couple of months.

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“We’ll be patient with him, but also help him the best we can and hopefully he’s back on the field as soon as possible.”

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