Nathan Grima faces three months on the sidelines after succumbing to a back injury.

The defender is set to undergo surgery to repair a disc on Wednesday.

“It’s been something that he’s been able to manage, but it’s at a stage now that our doctors think that’s it’s (surgery) the best way to go,” Director of Football Geoff Walsh said.

"He'll be sidelined for 12 to 14 weeks - that is the estimate."

Grima signed a one year deal at the end of 2014, after playing a key role in the club’s finals campaign.