Gillingham defender Josh Hare is set to be sidelined for up to a year.

The 20-year-old missed half of last season after rupturing knee ligaments and picked up another serious injury during the recent game at Tonbridge.

Hare, who has played twice for the Gills in the league, was stretchered off early on in the pre-season friendly on July 11. Both injuries were on the same knee.

He underwent an operation on Friday.

“The operation was a success and all went well but we are talking nine months to a year,” Gills boss Justin Edinburgh confirmed.

“It’s a real shame for the boy. He worked tremendously hard to get himself fit for pre-season and got back to playing.

“The difficulties he is going to go through now as a young man are part of the game that people don’t get to see. It is tough and that’s the downside to being a professional footballer.

“He’s a good boy, he has a good head on his shoulders and I am sure he will be able to overcome it.”

Hare is contracted with the Gills for another six months but will remain at the club throughout his rehabilitation.