Mike Brown unlikely to play again this season

Mike Brown is unlikely to play again this season after Harlequins revealed he would be out for six to nine months because of knee surgery.

Brown, 34, sustained the injury in pre-season and - after struggling through two recent matches - the decision was taken for him to undergo surgery.

"Mike has tried hard to train and play over the last few weeks but unfortunately his situation has worsened," said head of rugby Paul Gustard. "It would be damaging to his long-term knee health if he continued to try and play.

“He is disappointed as Mike wants to compete and give his all to the shirt. Under the guidance of our medical team led by Mike Lancaster, allied to Mike's incredible attitude to improve and his diligence to rehab, I know he will do everything he can to return to play faster than anticipated. We will look to see how we can use Mike in other capacities to help the squad.”

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Head of medical services Lancaster added: “Mike has been the model professional and is fully committed to a conservative reload and return to play, within hopefully six to nine months. Unfortunately, after playing the last two games, the restriction in function would not allow Mike to perform at his best or indeed allow optimal preparation within the week."

Brown isn't the only player in need of surgery. Welsh hooker Scott Baldwin, who joined the club in the summer, sustained an injury to his neck in the Champions Cup defeat at Clermont.

Lancaster confirmed: “Scott will undergo surgery next week to address his neck injury. He is understandably disappointed to be missing out on game time, but his professionalism and focus will no doubt help in expediting his return to play in the new year.”

Gustard added: “Scott has settled in really well and is a popular member of the squad. He was outstanding in pre-season and demonstrated strong leadership qualities. He had made a promising start to the season and his injury is a further loss to a position where Rob Buchanan is yet to regain fitness and Max Crumpton is out until the new year.

“We know Scott is determined to attack his rehabilitation the same way he does a scrum and he will do all that’s required to return to play faster than anticipated. I know our fans will wish him the very best in his recovery from his forthcoming surgery.”

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