Dunfermline boss Allan Johnston has revealed that Michael Paton will miss the start of the season following a hernia operation.
The Pars manager had hoped surgery would not be necessary for the 27-year-old front man.
However, that has not proved to be the case and Paton was due to go under the knife yesterday.
Johnston said: “Michael Paton will miss the start of the season since he is to have a hernia operation.
“We have let it rest over the summer hoping he would come back fine but he is still feeling it so we are better to get it fixed just now.
“He went to see a specialist the other day and it was confirmed what we thought so he is getting the operation. Hopefully he will back in between four to six weeks.”
Meanwhile, the long-running Faissal El Bakhtaoui saga continues.
Dunfermline are hoping that the striker, who scored 30 times for the club last season, will sign a new deal however, the 23-year-old is continuing to weigh up his options with interest from elsewhere.
Johnston added: “At the moment it is the same situation, waiting to see what other offers come his way.
“He has a few other offers but he has not decided where his future lies. We are not ruled out but obviously he does not want to commit either.”
