The 24-year-old former Walsall player requires surgery on a slight tear in the cartilage.

He has been playing with the injury since the turn of the year because of the absence of Shane Duff and Michael Townsend due to injury and illness.

Meanwhile, Cheltenham have decided not to appeal against Scott Brown's sending off in the 2-2 draw at Bournemouth.

The 21-year-old saw red for his tackle on Marvin Bartley who appeared to go into the challenge two-footed.

If you're going to send one off, both have got to go Cheltenham boss Keith Downing

Brown will now miss the games against Southend, Yeovil and Leeds as video of the incident would not help his case.

"It's not clear and we have to be clear for an appeal to be accepted," Robins boss Keith Downing told BBC Radio Gloucestershire.

Downing has also defended Brown, who spent a long time out injured after breaking his leg in January 2007.

"He's probably had a bit of a flashback at the fact he's had to protect himself," said Downing.

"Bartley's jumped in there and Browny's gone and protected himself, he's probably gone over the top.

"My reaction was if you're going to send one off, both have got to go."