Matty Fryatt's hopes are 'touch and go', says Leicester City physio Dave Rennie

Leicester City head physiotherapist Dave Rennie has revealed it will be touch and go whether Matty Fryatt will play again this season.

Striker Fryatt has lost nearly a stone and a half since he fractured his jaw in two places following a collision with Doncaster Rovers captain Brian Stock four weeks ago.

Fryatt was initially told to rest completely and his progress has been reviewed twice weekly.

Rennie said his treatment had gone as well as possible and he could have the protective brace removed from his jaw next Thursday, and could then commence light training.

However, Rennie said the weight loss had been more than they hoped for and Fryatt faced a lot of hard work to regain his fitness before the end of the season, although he stressed there would be no lasting damage.

"He has lost 19lbs and we would have preferred that he hadn't lost so much weight, but he has been on nothing but milkshakes since the injury," said Rennie.

"I think a single fracture would have been easier to deal with but the fact it was a double fracture has really restricted what he can do.

"For example, he hasn't been able to lift anything heavy because you naturally clench your jaw and we have to be careful he doesn't go back to square one.

"But he has been reviewed at hospital twice a week and they are very happy with his progress.

"Hopefully, we can get the brace off his jaw next week and start some very light training like on an exercise bike for about 10 days before he can start to do any jogging. He certainly can't have any contact for eight weeks from the injury.

"He will be working some long hours and will be doing double training sessions, so there is a lot of work ahead and it is touch and go whether he will be available for the first team again.

"However, the bone has knitted very well and there will be no long-term effect."

Rennie revealed that City defender Aleksandar Tunchev's knee surgery had also gone well.

The Bulgarian international underwent a procedure called bone fractures at a clinic in London last Wednesday and will now be sidelined for between four and six months.

Tunchev had to have the surgery after a course of injections failed to correct the persistent problem, which has kept him out of action since his brief return in September following knee ligament surgery.

"The procedure stimulates the growth of cartilage around the knee and forces it to re-grow," added Rennie.

"It isn't as strong as the original cartilage but it is better than nothing.

"It will be close to six months before he is available again."