JOE Adams faces an operation on a cruciate ligament injury – ruling him out of City’s season.

The on-loan Wigan midfielder went off during last weekend’s draw with Wimbledon.

It has been confirmed he ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee and will need surgery.

It is a hammer blow for the 20-year-old and the Bantams, who had high hopes for the Channel Islander when they signed him a month ago.

Adams played just 170 minutes in total – making two eye-catching starts in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy against Newcastle under-21s and Mansfield before his abortive appearance from the bench last Saturday.

Adams landed heavily after being knocked over from behind in the Wimbledon penalty area. He tried to continue after treatment but went down again and was forced to come off.

He will return to parent club Wigan after surgery to begin his long rehabilitation.