Ian Bell facing three months out after foot surgery

Bell went under the knife on Monday to fix a torn ligament in a toe, sustained while on Pakistan Super League duty with Islamabad United earlier this month, and could be out of action until mid-June as a result

Ian Bell could miss the first three months of the County Championship season after undergoing foot surgery.

Bell went under the knife on Monday to fix a torn ligament in a toe, sustained while on Pakistan Super League duty with Islamabad United earlier this month, and could be out of action until mid-June as a result.

However, Warwickshire first-team coach Jim Troughton is hopeful the 36-year-old can make a speedy recovery.

"Once the surgery is completed Ian will immediately start his rehabilitation programme," Troughton said.

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"There are always unknowns with surgery, but Ian has always kept his fitness at the top level throughout his career.

"We have an excellent medical team at Edgbaston, who will support Ian throughout the whole process, and we’re hopeful that Ian can join the Bears on the field sooner rather than later."

Bell posted a picture of himself in his hospital bed on social media on Monday, along with the caption: "All done. Road to recovery starts here. Thanks again for all your kind messages! Hopefully be back playing the game I love soon enough".