JAMES MCPAKE has confirmed that Kane Ritchie-Hosler is to undergo surgery on Monday that is set to sideline him for around three months.

The 21-year-old will have his third operation of the season so far, following procedures on ankle and knee injuries, after suffering a dislocated shoulder during the recent victory over Arbroath.

Dunfermline boss McPake revealed to Press Sport earlier this week that popular winger Ritchie-Hosler would require surgery on his latest unfortunate injury and, yesterday, provided a further update on his injured players when he met with the media yesterday (Thursday) ahead of the game with Airdrieonians tomorrow (Saturday), for which Ben Summers and Owen Moffat are fit.

"Kane is getting surgery on Monday morning," he said.

"We’ll know more when the surgeon goes in and assesses the damage but we’re talking three months at least (out).

"Sam Fisher will train next week. He’s out of his moon boot now, which is good news. He’s gone from being out for the season to nearly being ready for Airdrie. But that’s Sam, he’s a great kid. I’m delighted it’s not serious.

"He won’t be ready for this weekend. He did a lot of Wednesday but I can’t risk him this weekend, even if they tell me he is alright, but I think, from next week, Sam will be back.

"Rhys Breen is training at the start of next week. He’s now sprinting and doing everything. Kyle Benedictus should be back and playing by Christmas but, again, we’ll be cautious with that one because we know what happened the last time.

"That’s not to say that’s why we’ll be cautious but it’s the fact that he’s been out for such a long period of time now as well.

"It might be the following week he’s training, but we need to give him the time in training.

"Rhys hasn’t been out for so long and Sam, certainly, when he comes back could train for a couple of days and come in.

"As much as it’s not great for this weekend, in terms of what it could be, by Christmas time we’ll have Bene back, we’ll have Breeny back, we’ll have Sam back."

McPake also added that youngster, Andrew Tod, was back running after injury but was going to see another specialist "for a second opinion".