Manager Lee Sinnott told BBC Radio Stoke: "The problems that Shane has had could only be cured by surgery.

"The physio has told me that the recovery period is around four months so if that is correct then it looks as though Shane's season is over."

Tudor joined the Valiants in May but has made just eight league starts and has since been transfer listed.

"Shane's had a stop-start season but it's important that his rehabilitation is done correctly" said Sinnott.