Leyton Orient's Alton Thelwell has undergone knee surgery and Tamika Mkandawire has also been ruled out for the rest of the season.Former Tottenham defender Thelwell has undergone surgery on the problem which has dogged him throughout the campaign while Mkandawire, a summer signing from Hereford, has not recovered sufficiently from a recent hernia operation.

Both players could have seen out the remaining three games of the campaign, but with Orient's play-off bid having fizzled out the club have decided to ensure they are fully fit for the start of next season.

"Alton's had the operation now to give him three extra weeks to recover ahead of pre-season and we expect him to be ready for the start of that programme," said Os boss Martin Ling.

"Tam hasn't felt right since his return to the team. Like Alton, it's best for him to get fit now and missing the last three games gives him more chance for rehabilitation on the injury before pre-season."

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