Plymouth Argyle goalkeeper Conor Hazard facing lengthy absence after ankle surgery

Plymouth Argyle goalkeeper Conor Hazard is set to be out of action for around 12 weeks after undergoing an ankle operation today.

It is a big blow for the 26-year-old, who has started all four of the Pilgrims' games in the Championship this season and been in excellent form. He was named the Sky Sports player-of-the-month in the televised 1-1 draw away to Queens Park Rangers.

Hazard picked up his injury in the closing stages of Argyle's last match before the international break, the 1-0 defeat by Stoke City at Home Park on August 31.

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The shot-stopper did join up with the Northern Ireland squad ahead of two UEFA Nations League games, but returned to Argyle to have the damage to his ankle assessed by the club's medical staff.

With Hazard now facing a lengthy absence, Dan Grimshaw will take over as Argyle's first choice 'keeper, with second-year professional Zak Baker - who has yet to make an appearance for the senior side - as his back-up.

Grimshaw joined the Pilgrims from League One outfit Blackpool for an undisclosed fee, reported to be around £600,000, towards the end of the summer transfer window.

The 26-year-old made his debut in the 2-0 Carabao Cup second round defeat away to Watford. Now he is set to make his first league appearance for Argyle against Championship pacesetters Sunderland at Home Park on Saturday.

Argyle said in a statement this afternoon: "Conor Hazard has undergone ankle surgery today after sustaining an injury in the closing stages of the match against Stoke City. The Northern Irish goalkeeper, who has been in exceptional form this season, is expected to miss around 12 weeks of action. Wishing you all the best in your recovery, Conor!"

Hazard got his chance to start the season as Argyle's first choice 'keeper amid uncertainty over the future of Michael Cooper, who ended up joining Championship rivals Sheffield United.

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