Motherwell: Steven Saunders targets Christmas return

Motherwell defender Steven Saunders faces at least three further months on the sidelines following knee surgery.

The 21-year-old had his operation on Friday after developing a knee problem in pre-season.

Saunders missed the vast bulk of last season after rupturing his Achilles tendon while playing for Scotland Under-21s a year ago.

Boss Stuart McCall said: "He's looking to be possibly three months. He has got his head on to be back for Christmas."

McCall is still trying to add to his squad before Friday's transfer deadline, but no signing is imminent ahead of their trip to Spain for the second leg of their Europa League play-off against Levante, who won 2-0 at Fir Park last week.

"We've made a couple of enquiries on players," McCall said.

"If it's a player that you're trying to get that will improve your team then more often than not other clubs are after him and Motherwell are probably three or four on his list.

"Until those teams drop out, you are just waiting and waiting and then there is not a lot you can do.

"We would like to try and get somebody in before the deadline."

Motherwell have rejected bids for defender Shaun Hutchinson and midfielder Nicky Law this month but have not had any fresh offers for them or forward Jamie Murphy.

"There have been no more bids, which is a pleasing thing from a manager's point of view," McCall added.

"But we saw in the last window Blackpool came in at the last seconds with a low bid for Jamie.

"We accepted it in the end, but obviously Jamie decided against it."