NATHAN Baxter's loan spell with Accrington Stanley has come to a premature end after the young Chelsea goalkeeper's shoulder required surgery, ruling him out for the rest of the season.

The 22-year-old suffered the injury in the first half of the Reds' home defeat to Ipswich Town earlier this month and returned to Stamford Bridge for treatment and assessment. And it was decided that the best course of action to help fix the damage would be an operation.

Baxter signed a season-long loan from Chelsea in October and made 19 appearances in all competitions, keeping seven clean sheets, including one on his league debut for Stanley in the 2-0 win at Gillingham in December.

The young stopper had been made to bide his time before establishing himself in the Reds side due to the impressive form of Toby Savin at the start of the season.

And Savin has been restored to the line-up since Baxter's injury.

"He has had an operation so he is out for the season," said Coleman of Baxter.

"It's a blow for us but these things happen and it gives Toby a marvellous opportunity."

Coleman continues to be beset by injury problems, and although some are on their way back to fitness they are unlikely to be ready to face Leam Richardson's Wigan Athletic tomorrow.

"We will get a team out and whatever team I put out I'm expecting them to compete," said the Stanley boss.

"Joe (Pritchard) is not far away and Colby (Bishop). We are getting there.

"Hopefully Seamus (Conneely) won't be too long.

"But as we are getting people in unfortunately we've got players going out as well, but we've got a decent enough squad that is more than capable."