Preston North End striker and former Wales international Ched Evans says he is expecting to return to the football field next season after going under the knife for what was described as a "serious medical condition".
The Championship side announced in April that the striker had consulted specialists after being diagnosed with the issue, which it said was the result of "repeated high-force contact" during his career.
A statement warned that the 34-year-old was facing "potentially life-changing consequences" as a result, but Evans has now issued an update on social media.
In a statement posted on Preston's Twitter account, he said: "I'm five-weeks post-surgery. The surgery went really well. They removed some bone and some plates which were compressing my spinal cord."
"My neck will be as strong as ever," he added. "I'll be back next season, doing what I love to do, scoring goals and winning games with Preston."
Evans made 28 appearances for Preston last season, scoring nine goals.