Chris Sharp ruled out for up to five weeks

AFC Telford striker Chris Sharp will require an operation to repair a hernia problem which could rule him out for up to five weeks.

The former The New Saints forward has not played since the pre-season friendly against Chesterfield last month, although Bucks chief Andy Sinton had previously hoped he could be back within three weeks' time.

But Sinton said: "He's got to have an operation so he's going to be out for four, five weeks, although the sooner he has his operation the sooner we can get him back on the pitch. He's a big blow to miss."

• See pictures from Telford's win over Braintree

Sharp's injury blow was compounded on Saturday when it was revealed Chris Blackburn and Steve Jones had also suffered injuries, ruling them out of the 3-0 Blue Sqaure Premier win over Braintree Town.

Blackburn missed the game with a back injury while Jones suffered a bruised foot, but Sinton is confident both will be back in time for Saturday's trip to Luton Town.

Meanwhile Sinton is still in the market for new recruits and admitted Sharp may need 'replacing' during his absence. But he added he will not bring in people just to make up the numbers.

See also:

• Sinton snaps up new AFC Telford defender

• Andy Sinton to take look at AFC Telford trialists