Sandaza bagged 10 goals for Dundee United last season

Dundee United's Francisco Sandaza is to miss the start of the season and will not resume training until September.

The 24-year-old Spanish striker requires a double hernia operation.

"We had hoped that a summer of rest would cure the problem but as soon as he started running he felt it flare up," said United manager Craig Levein.

"Fran was looking forward to doing pre-season after missing it last year. He suffered for that so we will handle things differently this time around."

Last summer Sandaza signed a three-year contract at Tannadice, arriving from Valencia's second string side, and he scored 10 goals in his first season in Scotland.

Having lost last term's top scorer, Levein is confident new recruit Danny Cadamarteri will provide adequate cover.

"Fran's absence means that Danny will play as a striker instead of on the wing," added the manager.

"I've been very impressed by him, I've rarely seen a player in as good a nick as he is. He's not carrying any weight at all.

"He's powerful, fit and is very hungry to do well here so we're looking forward to working with him."

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