AARON Tshibola could miss the rest of the season after the talented Reading FC youngster was forced to have an operation.

Tshibola required surgery on his hamstring last week after picking up a fresh injury just 10 minutes into his long-awaited comeback.

The 21-year-old central midfielder had spent more than three months on the sidelines after picking up a groin strain in a 4-2 defeat at Fulham in October.

He battled back to full fitness and returned to the Reading team for the FA Cup fourth-round clash against Walsall the weekend before last.

But Tshibola was forced off the pitch just minutes into the tie, which Reading won 4-0 to secure a fifth-round home clash against West Brom or Peterborough, who meet in a replay tomorrow night.

It has since emerged that Tshibola's injury was so severe he required surgery which could now rule him out for the remainder of the campaign.

Tshibola posted a picture of himself recovering in hospital on his Instagram account on Saturday morning.

He said: "Thank you God! Op went very well, thanks for the messages!

“Looking forward to getting on with my rehab now!! All the best to the lads today! 3Pts!"

Royals boss Brian McDermott, whose side drew 0-0 with Wolves at home on Saturday, confirmed: “He had to have an operation on his hamstring. It was a difficult injury.

“I don’t know how long it will be, but any time you have surgery it’s something you have to really look after.”

McDermott was unsure whether Tshibola will play again this season.

“It’s February now so who knows,” he admitted. “It’s a long time between now and the end of the season so I hope so.”

Reading, with two wins in 13 Championship matches, return to the Madejski Stadium this Saturday when they host third-placed Burnley (3pm).