Cobblers loanee Nuttall returns to Blackpool after knee operation

Cobblers on-loan forward Joe Nuttall has returned to parent club Blackpool for treatment after undergoing a knee operation.

The 23-year-old arrived at the PTS carrying a minor injury problem but he appeared to be on the mend and made his first appearance for the Cobblers as a second-half substitute in the defeat to Hull City last month.

However, the 23-year-old has not played since and following further investigation, the decision was made to send him for surgery.

"Joe has had to have an operation," confirmed manger Keith Curle. "He's returned to Blackpool for his rehabilitation protocol.

"I spoke to Joe this morning (Monday) just to see how the operation went and how he is and what's he able to do physically but also to have a quick chat on his mental health to make sure he's fit and well and in a good place.

"He came across very positively and had a good understanding of the procedure and why it was done. He's been given an exercise routine for his leg and he's got a check-up next week and then he'll be onto phase two of his rehabilitation, but he's in a good place mentally."

Curle did not put an exact timeframe on Nuttall's potential return.