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West Brom's Gareth Barry to have operation and miss rest of season

Albion veteran Gareth Barry is set to have a knee operation which will rule him out for the rest of the season.

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Gareth Barry (AMA)

The 38-year-old midfielder has been struggling since last month and has now decided to have surgery in a bid to be in the best shape possible for next campaign.

Whether or not that is with the Baggies though is currently up in the air as his current deal with the club expires this summer.

“It’s a massive disappointment for me, but I just have to accept I need the surgery," said Barry.

"I have tried to manage the injury in order to see the campaign through to the finishing line, but it’s just not been possible.

“But I’ll be backing the boys all the way. Promotion is still very much the focus and I’ll be around to offer whatever help I can from the sidelines.

“Having the operation now means I should be ready for pre-season training. I have enjoyed my football this season, and still feel I have a lot to offer.”

Caretaker boss Jimmy Shan will now have to do without his most experienced player as Albion look to seal a play-off place in the Championship and then promotion via Wembley.

"Gareth has decided to have the operation now to make sure he can get back as early as possible," said Shan.

"Gareth has performed very well all season. I'd saw him here before with Everton and Man City, but until you work with him you don't realise and recognise what an outstanding footballer he is.

"It's a big blow for us, of course it is."

And when asked if there have been discussions about Barry staying with the Baggies beyond the summer, Shan added: "That's one for future discussion.

"The main concern is that Gareth has the operation and returns in a state where he can be selected and available for whatever happens next.

"He's expressed several times he has no intent to finish playing.

"Whatever happens with Gareth Barry, he'll be playing football somewhere next season.

"I'll have discussions with Gareth. I'd be more than happy for him to come into the office (and offer advice) because it's something we can utilise, his playing experience."