WARRINGTON Wolves' Welsh goal-kicking stand off Lee Briers may miss the start of the season through injury.

As the GUARDIAN went to press, the 22-year-old was awaiting results of tests with a specialist to see if he requires a knee operation.

If he does need surgery he will be

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sidelined for a month but, thankfully, that will only mean being absent for the Wolves' opening round tie in the Silk Cut Challenge Cup on February 10/11.

Van de Velde said: "We are awaiting the results but Lee has seen a specialist as there may be a cyst on one of his knee ligaments.

"He did come through the workout we had at our training camp in Plymouth earlier this month but we did do log-carrying runs on tarmac and the injury may have been aggravated.

"If he needs an operation it would mean a month out but it may be that rest will be sufficient for him to recover."

Briers' problem started while playing for Wales in the Lincoln Financial Group World Cup, when he was seen wearing bandage support on his knee.

Briers, last season's highest points scorer for the Wolves, was also limping during the Boxing Day game against Salford City Reds at Wilderspool.

The news is good on the injury front for other Wolves players.

Prop forward Andrew Gee, hooker David Highton, centre or back rower Ian Sibbit are all progressing better than expected after operations.

Van de Velde said: "David Highton is well ahead of schedule and could even be ready for the first game."