Birkirkara players Michael Galea and Roderick Briffa are in Belgium to undergo surgery, possibly as early as today.

Galea is almost sure of needing an operation while Briffa is still hoping to avoid it as his injury is different to that of Galea.

Michael Galea might be expected back on the field of play some time in December. If Briffa does not need an operation, he will be expected back in the Stripes team much earlier.

Stripes chairman Victor Zammit said yesterday the club will pay all the expenses.

Meanwhile the situation of the club’s other injured players is continuing to improve slightly.

However, by next Saturday, when the side meets newly promoted St George’s in its third league encounter, only Jonathan Holland is expected to make his return to the side.

Two others, midfielder Antoine Zahra and striker Etienne Barbara, are both expected to be declared fit to play in the following match against Hibernians on Friday 15 September. And another midfielder, Adrian Ciantar, is also expected back in the side possibly in November.