KEITH Andrews could be out of action for more than a month with a torn thigh muscle.

The Irishman had already endured an injury-plagued campaign, requiring pain-killing injections before being able to take his place in midfield earlier this season because of an Achilles problem.

Now it has been revealed that a related thigh problem is likely to keep him on the sidelines until late March.

“Keith had been struggling with his Achilles and carrying the injury,” Freedman explained.

“I’m guessing, because I don’t know about the recovery (timescale), but with the torn thigh we could now be looking at a month or six weeks to get the problem sorted.”

Andrews was voted the Republic of Ireland international player of the year earlier this week but has not featured for Wanderers since limping out of the goalless draw at Crystal Palace on January 19, missing the FA Cup replay against Everton and the defeat at Watford last weekend.

Freedman has also confirmed that young full-back Joe Riley will be missing for a month after scans revealed a small fracture in his foot.

Initial examinations suggested the youngster had only suffered severe bruising to his foot, but the player confirmed earlier this week that a fracture had been found.

“It’s disappointing for the kid because he’s had a difficult time,” the manager said.

“He had worked his way back and was starting to come into the first team.”