Socceroos defender McGowan sidelined with injury

Socceroos and Bradford City defender Ryan McGowan has undergone knee surgery, posing significant questions regarding his availability for next month's international friendlies.

Ryan McGowan has joined Bradford City Source: Getty Images

Despite playing 90 minutes in Bradford's last outing, a 1-1 draw against Charlton Athletic last Wednesday (AEDT), McGowan today took to social media to confirm the news of his successful surgery.

It comes as quite the surprise after the League One side made no mention of McGowan's injury during Friday's (AEDT) pre-match press conference.

Neither McGowan's return date - nor the extent of his injury - is yet to be revealed, leaving his availability for Australia's two scheduled friendlies in March, against Norway and Colombia, in doubt.

McGowan joined Bradford on a free transfer in February, after a brief stint with Arabian Gulf League side Al-Sharjah.

Capped 20 times for his country, McGowan's last starting berth for the Socceroos was in June last year, against Chile at the FIFA Confederations Cup.

After the injury setback, the 28-year-old will be eager to return to action as soon as possible to cement himself in Australia coach Bert van Marwijk's plans for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in June.

Bradford face Plymouth Argyle on Sunday (AEDT).