Star striker is putting off surgery to help Peterborough United climb back up the League One table

It’s understood Leonard requires a hernia operation. The 22 year-old is currently playing with the help of pain-killing injections, but has still managed to score four goals in his last six appearances.

Leonard is expected to play in Saturday’s League One derby at Northampton Town. He scored both goals when Posh beat Cobblers 2-1 at the Weston Homes Stadium in December.

Posh boss Luke Williams confirmed Leonard needs surgery at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, although he did not specify the nature of the injury. Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony referenced a player requiring a hernia operation on the most recent edition of his ‘Hard Truth’ podcast.

Williams said today: “Harry is in some discomfort. He has had two injections and will have a third one which should help to settle the symptoms down. The injections are in no way dangerous for Harry, but we don’t want him to be away from the pitch for an extended length of time so we are delaying the surgical procedure he needs.

"Harry is desperate to keep playing.”

The loss of Leonard would be a huge blow as the only natural centre forward back-up is rookie Pemi Aderoju, although on-loan Chelsea player Jimmy-Jay Morgan is a striker by trade. Leonard has scored 13 goals in all competitions this season.

Williams also reported winger Kyrell Lisbie and Brandon Khela were not in ’tip-top’ condition, but they are both expected to be involved at Sixfields. It’s been a better few days for Posh in terms of rest and recovery as they have had no midweek fixture.

Midfielders Matt Garbett and Ben Woods, plus defenders Sam Hughes and Harley Mills are expected to return from injury in the middle of March.

Posh have slipped to 12th after picking up just one point from their last three League One games.