PORTSMOUTH striker Colby Bishop has been forced to undergo immediate surgery after a heart scare in pre-season.
During a routine heart scan, Pompey medics identified an undisclosed potential risk to their star forward.
Bishop, 27, will now undergo surgery to rectify the matter following discussions with the club medical team and cardiologists.
The former primary school teacher turned Championship star said: “Definitely not the start to the season I expected receiving this news.
“It’s been a really uncertain time for myself, my wife and new baby.”
Bishop has missed all of Pompey’s pre-season fixtures so far after his wife gave birth to the couple’s first child earlier this month.
He added: “Despite the difficult circumstance, I am extremely grateful to have been referred to a world-leading expert in a ground-breaking procedure to get me back to full fitness.
“I would like to thank everyone at Portsmouth Football Club for their ongoing support throughout.
“I look forward to playing in front of you all at Fratton Park on my return.”
The Blues’ star man has been flooded with messages of support from the Fratton faithful, rallying around the fan favourite in such a distressing period.
One message said: “I hope he takes as long as needed and the club thoroughly support him, health is wealth.”
Another added: “Health should come first, awful news for Colby and his young family.”
Bishop scored 20 goals last season as John Mousinho’s side secured a return to the second tier of English football after 12 years away.
Topping the League One table with 97 points, five clear of Derby County in second, Bishop played a crucial part in Pompey’s title win.
Signed for a reported £500,000 from Accrington Stanley in 2022, the Nottingham-born striker has bagged 40 league goals across two seasons.
