Surgery to sideline O’Neil for three months

The midfielder featured four times for City in August, but has been undergoing injections recently to settle an ongoing injury problem.

Following further tests, the diagnosis is surgery is required, which will take place in the next seven days.

He will undergo surgical exploration to review any abnormalities on his hamstring tendons at the back of his knee, with the debridement of the tendons followed by a repair to any splits.

Head coach Lee Johnson revealed the news on the club’s Facebook page during an exclusive live chat.

He said: “It’s very difficult for players when they pick up these injuries.

“We’ve tried everything possible to help him through non-operative measures to try to get him right. The only step now is surgery.

“He’ll go under the knife in the coming days and that will mean him being out for a minimum of 12 weeks.”