London, Sep 2: England and Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland has been dealt a further blow as he could be out of action for a further two months.

Lionel Messi scores on return from retirement as Argentina win

The former Birmingham City custodian, 23, had a surgery in March after being injured in England's 3-2 win over Germany in Berlin.

The injury flared up again this summer and he has not played this season. Stoke signed Derby goalkeeper Lee Grant on deadline day because of concerns over Butland's fitness.

"I'll be having a minor operation on Monday," Butland said in a social media statement on Friday.

(UAE stun Japan with 2-1 win)

"Rather than push through and risk damaging further, I'd like to have it sorted for good and be back to the levels I was at last year."

Having trained without trouble during pre-season, Butland suffered a training ground injury on the eve of Stoke City's opening Premier League match against promoted side Middlesbrough.

Forty-year-old Shay Given has played in every game so far and is expected to continue for the Potters in Butland's extended absence.

IANS