Pearce's small squad means he can ill afford too many injuries

Onuoha picked up the problem in the final game of last season and Pearce expects him to be out for two months.

Pearce told the club's website: "We thought it was a straightforward tear, so Nedum went through rehabilitation.

"Things weren't progressing as the physios hoped and another scan showed the injury to be more severe."

Pearce added: "I think we are talking about two months and while I hope that timescale can be reduced, I am acutely aware that you cannot rush problems like this.

"Long-term player care is more important than a short-term fix and we need to get him right."