STUART FIELDEN is expected to be sidelined for several weeks.
The Giants prop underwent a minor knee operation a week ago and had hoped to be back in contention for Saturday’s Super League clash at Catalan Dragons.
But the 33-year-old former Great Britain ace has now picked up an infection which has required a return to hospital.
Huddersfield head coach Paul Anderson is hopeful it won’t be too long before Fielden is available again, although he has complete faith in the rest of the Giants front-row forwards he still has at his disposal.
“Stu has needed the knee clear-out for a few weeks now,” revealed Anderson.
“We were planning for him to get the operation done when we played at Castleford a couple of weeks ago, but Eorl Crabtree’s suspension scuppered that.
“So he had the surgery last week, which went well until he picked up the infection.
“He’s now back in hospital trying to get that sorted, and until that’s done we won’t know how long he’ll be out.
“At this stage, we’re still hopeful it won’t be too long. But we’re fortunate we do have quality cover in the front row, and certainly of the quality to get the job done at Catalan this weekend.”
Anderson has, however, resisted the temptation to bring back fit-again Jason Chan, who has now recovered from the knee injury he suffered in the win at Leeds two months ago.
But centre Joe Wardle is available after picking up a knock to the ribs in Sunday’s Cup win at Batley.
