Fontaine seeks second opinion

City defender Liam Fontaine is to seek further consultation to clear-up an ankle injury that is threatening to keep him on the sidelines indefinitely.

The 24-year-old picked up a knock, to the same ankle he had an operation on 18 months ago, during a training session before the home game with Derby earlier this month.

And after not being content with the advice provided by the surgeon who performed that op, Fontaine is set to get a second opinion on Wednesday to decide the best course of action.

"We have to decide whether to leave it to rest and recuperation for the next four weeks or so, or whether to go for surgery straight away," City boss Keith Millen told the Bristol Evening Post.

"It's a difficult call to make, and that's why we're seeking a second opinion. We want as much information as possible before we make a decision.

"We could leave it to rest, but there is no guarantee that will work. If, after a month, Liam still needs surgery, then we're looking at him being out for most of the rest of the season.

"He has been one of our most consistent performers this season, and we want to take the option that makes him available soonest."

Meanwhile, fellow defender and club captain Louis Carey is set to be fit for the Boxing Day trip to Reading.

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