Bradley Dack has successfully undergone surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

Dack’s surgery came just over two weeks after suffering the injury in Rovers’ 0-0 draw with Wigan on December 23.

The injury is expected to keep him out for much of 2020, with the attacker, who turned 26 on New Year’s Eve, now set to start his long road to recovery.

Rovers’ biggest fears were realised when scans revealed damage to Dack’s ACL after being stretchered off in last month’s game at Ewood Park following extensive treatment.

Dack has 18 months left to run on the contract he signed following Rovers’ promotion back to the Championship in 2018.

An improved deal, that would move the 10-goal top scorer in line with the club’s top earners, has remained unsigned.

However, the Lancashire Telegraph can reveal that Dack’s current deal includes a one-year option in the club’s favour that they are expected to trigger.

That will give them more protection, and allay fans’ fears, over losing Dack to a free transfer in the summer of 2021.

The club’s focus now will be on helping Dack through his rehabilitation.

He is the second Rovers player to suffer such an injury this season, with on-loan full back Greg Cunningham having had the same surgery in October following his injury at QPR.  

Speaking after revealing the injury news last month, boss Tony Mowbray said: “It’s a cruel blow for everyone of course, including the football club and Bradley in particular.

“Our thoughts go to him. The hard work, the rehabilitation, the hours, the work, that will begin once he’s had his operation.

“He’ll come back stronger, there’s no doubt about that, but it’s important to get his knee as strong as possible for when he returns.”