MIDFIELDER Danny Rose isn’t expected to be available for first-team selection until mid-August, after he went under the knife to remove a previously installed screw.

Rose trained with the Town squad during the first week of pre-season training, but a decision was made to remove his metalwork in hope that the longevity of his peak fitness levels can be granted a boost.

Luke McCormick (hip) and Tom Broadbent (groin) are also on the sidelines – with the latter expected to return on Friday for Town’s visit to Swindon Supermarine.

A timeframe hasn’t been set on McCormick’s return from injury, though his injury isn’t expected to be long-lasting.

Wellens said: “Danny Rose needs a screw out, it’s not a massive thing.

“We could’ve let him play on with it, and he might’ve got through. But he probably would’ve missed 10 games throughout the season.

“If we get the plate out now, he will probably miss the first two games of the season. It’s frustrating.

“Luke McCormick has a niggle with his hip, and Tom Broadbent is out with his groin.

“We did a session three or four days ago, and he just felt his groin. I would’ve thought he’d be fine for Friday at Supermarine.”

Central defender Mathieu Baudry was another not to feature at Brimscombe and Thrupp on Tuesday night.

Wellens seemingly rates the Frenchman highly, and was not prepared to risk unnecessary injury on an undulating pitch.

“Mathieu Baudry we have to be careful with,” said Wellens.

“He is a good player, and I don’t want to put him at risk.

“I didn’t know what the pitch was going to be like on Tuesday (at Brimscombe). In the end it was okay, but it will probably be two or three weeks until the first game that he starts games.

“He’ll probably get 45 minutes on Friday.”