CRYSTAL Palace midfielder Ben Watson is set to undergo surgery next week in order to clear up a hernia problem.

The 21-year-old missed last weekend's game with Burnley and wasn't named in Peter Taylor's England under-21 squad because of the injury, so with a break in fixtures now, it has been decided that Watson will have the niggle completely cleared up.

Watson will travel to Germany for surgery with the same expert who aided both Marco Reich and Wayne Andrews with their hernia injuries last season and it is hoped that he will only be absent from action for a few weeks.

Taylor said: "Ben needs a hernia operation and will be going to Germany next week.

"I have been told that the specialist there is excellent and we tried to get it done this week, but he isn't available so it will have to be next week.

"That means he might miss a couple of matches, Luton, Southampton and maybe one more."

Taylor has plenty of cover in the midfield area though and also hopes to add new faces to the squad ahead of Thursday's transfer deadline, but he admits that a fully fit and refreshed Watson will be a terrific boost for everyone.

He added: "We've got a very good midfield at the minute and Ben's a part of that.

"I'm sure once he's had this done, he will be back to his 100 per cent best.

"He hasn't really been carrying it for a while, but I don't think he's been happy with it. He could probably still get through a game now, but at half time and at the end of games he's been feeling sore and uncomfortable."

Thanks to cpfc.co.uk