England's Ben Stokes 'may not return to action until July due to knee surgery'

Ben Stokes squats seductively on day two of the fourth Test between South Africa and England on January 23, 2016
© Getty Images
England all-rounder Ben Stokes may not return to action until July as he is reportedly due to undergo a knee operation.

All-rounder Ben Stokes could reportedly miss the remainder of England's series against Sri Lanka because he needs knee surgery.

The ECB confirmed this morning that Stokes will be absent from the second Test in Durham after injuring his knee in the first Test at Headingley.

According to The Telegraph, the 24-year-old will undergo a minor operation tomorrow, which could keep him on the sidelines until July.

It has been reported that Stokes could return to match action in three weeks' time, but it has been suggested that selectors may leave him out of the one-day and Twenty-20 series against Sri Lanka.

If that occurs, Stokes's next match could be the first Test against Pakistan, which begins on July 14 at Lord's.

England have a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series against Sri Lanka after winning the opener by an innings and 88 runs on Saturday.

Ben Stokes on his knees on January 23, 2016
Read Next:
Ben Stokes ruled out of second Test
>