Barnett has been a first-team regular since joining from West Brom

Norwich City are likely to be without defender Leon Barnett for the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury.

The 25-year-old was brought off with 10 minutes remaining in Saturday's 2-1 Championship win over Reading.

He will see a surgeon on Monday with the intention of being operated on the day after.

"The way it is we probably won't see him until pre-season. We'll have to wait and see," boss Paul Lambert told BBC Radio Norfolk.

Lambert added he would be looking for cover in the loan market, but does not expect movement before the weekend.

Barnett has been a first choice centre-half for the City manager since he joined on loan from West Brom in August.

The former Luton man made his switch to Carrow Road permanent in January and has now played 26 games for the Canaries in total.

But City are now left with just two recognised centre-halves for Saturday's trip to Leeds.

Michael Nelson joined Scunthorpe in January and Jens Berthel Askou is not set to return from his loan spell at Millwall until Sunday.

"I have to [get in cover], I think we're closer on something at the minute and hopefully that will transpire over the weekend," said Lambert.

On Barnett's injury fellow defender Zak Whitbread added: "It's a massive loss, all the lads are devastated for him.

"He's been brilliant this season, one of our top performers.

"We're all thinking of him, he's got a few days off to take it easy before maybe having an operation and we wish him the best."

Meanwhile Lambert confirmed midfielder Matt Gill has returned from his loan spell at League One Walsall.

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