BEN Harrison looks set to miss the majority of Warrington Wolves’ 2016 season through injury.

The 27-year-old prop or loose forward has had surgery on his knee, as well as wrist and ankle, that head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith says could leave him sidelined for eight months.

However Smith is confident Harrison, who has struggled with injuries for the past two seasons, will feel the benefit of the operation and rehabilitation process.

“He’s had a significant operation and it’s going to take him out of all the pre-season and the early part of next year,” Smith told the Guardian.

“He needed it, as I think we all saw he was struggling through and hampering the quality of work he was able to put out.

“It’s important for us but for him too. He wants to get back to being able to produce his best footy week in, week out – he’s had to make the hard decision to have that big operation.

“It’s a six, seven, eight-month recovery but that’s what you need to do sometimes, rather than try to struggle through when it affects every other part of your game as well.

“It’s a bit of a blow for us and Ben, but we decided it had to be done. It’s the sensible thing to get him right for the back end of next year and the following year.”

Wolves were back in training on Monday, although the overseas arrivals, internationals and those recovering from surgery will return at a later date.

That includes Ryan Atkins, who had a 'touch-up' operation on Monday on a wrist injury.

“A bit of change freshens things up,” added Smith. “Even the little subtle things like changing the gym around and we’ve revamped it, got some new equipment, a new conditioner and new welfare manager.

"We’ve got a couple of new faces. Jack Hughes and Joe Westerman have joined us and it’s been a really nice vibe.

“We’re not all back in just yet, but it’s been really positive and I think the players were ready to come back.

“Some of them are having their break now. We’ll slowly get them all back before Christmas.”

But Smith does not expect to be adding any further to Wolves’ squad for next season at this stage.

“We’ll have a little bit of leeway but not much,” explained the 48-year-old about the salary cap position.

“We’re pretty happy with the squad that we’ve got and the way that it’s building, so we’re not actively recruiting at the moment.”