CITY are waiting to discover if they will see Ryan McGowan again for the play-off chase.

The Australian international went under the knife five days ago to repair a knee injury he suffered in the 1-1 draw at Charlton.

Bantams boss Simon Grayson is not building up his hopes over McGowan's chances of recovering in time to feature in the run-in.

Yet he is refusing to write him off completely until there has been official confirmation over the extent of the problem, which he expects to hear this week.

Grayson said: "We knew he was going to have an operation, just to see what was wrong with an injury he picked up against Charlton.

"The outcome was not what we wanted and he's done something like a micro-fracture of his cartilage.

"We're not saying he's ruled out for the rest of the season – it depends how quickly he recovers – but without putting a curse on it, he could be.

"I'm not being deliberately vague because I don't know too much about it at this moment.

"But we're going to be without him for a few weeks and potentially months. We should know more in the next few days."

McGowan's absence would come as a real blow to City after the way he slotted so convincingly into the back four following his arrival at the end of last month's transfer window.

The 28-year-old has played three times since joining on an 18-month deal from UAE side Al-Sharjah – and has been the pick of the team on each occasion with his strong defending.

The injury could also kibosh his hopes of featuring in the Australian squad for the World Cup finals in Russia this summer.