Dillon Morse is to miss the start of South Shields’ pre-season fixture programme after undergoing groin surgery.
The operation took place in June, with the defender making good progress in his recovery under the guidance of head of physiotherapy and medical Andrew Morris.
He is expected to return to full training in late-July and was this week discharged by his consultant after a final check-up.
JJ Hooper will also miss Saturday’s opening friendly at Berwick Rangers after sustaining a minor hamstring injury in training.
The striker is due to be available to train within the next 10 days.
Meanwhile, a decision is yet to be made over whether Callum Ross will make his long-awaited comeback from a knee injury on Saturday.
Ross underwent surgery earlier this year and has not played in a match since January.
The midfielder returned for pre-season in tremendous shape and topped many of the early fitness tests.
Manager Kevin Phillips said: “Callum came back unbelievably fit, but we’ve got to be very careful and manage him properly as he returns to match action.
“It will be a joint decision between Callum, Andy and myself as to whether he is available to play on Saturday.
“There are no heroes in the first two weeks of pre-season. It’s all about being fit for the start of the league campaign.
“If Callum does miss out on Saturday it will be as a precautionary measure, as we have to choose the most sensible option.”
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