ATHLETIC have suffered another injury blow after Matty Todd was ruled out of action for up to three months.

The 22-year-old was taken off during last midweek's win over Annan Athletic in the Viaplay Cup after hurting his ankle, and went for a scan to assess the extent of the damage last Thursday.

Following last night's victory at Albion Rovers, McPake said that the midfielder requires an operation, and will face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

"He will get surgery a week on Thursday, and he will be 12 weeks from the surgery," he said.

"I've been in that position. I've had my fair share of injuries and surgeries and, as much as it's a blow to the team - of course it is, because he's a really good player - but, as a young person, he's obviously had his appendix, he had his nose job, and now he's got this.

"He feels he can't catch a break."

Boyhood Pars fan Todd, a product of the now defunct Fife Elite Football Academy, picked up a clutch of player of the year accolades, and was shortlisted for PFA Scotland's League One award, last season as he hit 11 goals in all competitions to help Dunfermline win League One.

After the title was clinched against Queen of the South in April, he missed the final three matches after having his appendix removed, and then was absent for their opening two pre-season friendlies after undergoing surgery to rectify an issue with his nose.

Todd's injury comes after Kane Ritchie-Hosler, who joined the club permanently in the close season following an impressive loan spell from Rangers, was ruled out for up to three months earlier this month after suffering an ankle injury in training.

The Pars, who have completed their Viaplay Cup, Group F fixtures, and must wait to see if they will progress, open their Championship campaign at home to Airdrieonians on Saturday August 5.