Freddie Sears has been ruled out for at least nine months after sustaining a cruciate knee ligament injury in Sunday’s defeat at Norwich.

East Anglian Daily Times: Freddie Sears celebrates his second half strike at Villa Park Picture PagepixFreddie Sears celebrates his second half strike at Villa Park Picture Pagepix (Image: Pagepix Ltd 07976 935738)

The striker was substituted in the first-half after damaging his knee in a tackle with Tom Trybull and a scan has shown damage to his ACL.

“The scan has confirmed a cruciate ligament injury in his right knee,” Town physio Matt Byard told the club website.

“He will see a specialist later this week who will determine the timeframe but it’s likely that surgery will take place in the next two weeks.

“We will know more from the specialist but with this type of injury, you are looking at nine to 12 months recovery.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Sears is the Blues' top scorer with six goals. Picture: STEVE WALLERSears is the Blues' top scorer with six goals. Picture: STEVE WALLER (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

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Sears added: “I’m obviously devastated but I want to thank the fans for their support yesterday.”

The forward leads the Blues’ scoring charts with six goals this season, including a rocket in the 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa recently.

All six of his goals have come since the arrival of Paul Lambert.

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The Blues recently activated a clause in the 29-year-old’s contract, keeping him at the club for next season.

The former England U21 international joins Grant Ward and Ben Morris in being out for a lengthy period with a cruciate ligament injury.