Motherwell's plans for the league season have been dealt a blow with news that defender Charles Dunne is out for around four months.

Dunne suffered a groin injury while making a clearance against Stranraer in last Saturday's League Cup clash.

Scans have shown that surgery is likely to be required and that Dunne will be sidelined for a significant chunk of the season.

"It's a blow to lose Charles," manager Stephen Robinson said. "He is a key part of our defence and showed last season how important he is to the team.

"We wish him a quick and full recovery.

"The onus now is on the other defenders in the squad to step up and nail down a first team place."

"He is seeing a top specialist in London on Tuesday.

"In terms of the injury, I am no expert so I wouldn't go into detail but it is in the groin area.

"But it looks like it will require surgery and we are probably looking at a four-month injury at best."