KELVIN Chapman has had a second major knee operation in as many years in a final bid to clear up the problem.

The influential second row and first team captain had the operation to remove a big piece of floating cartilage last week.

His knee locked completely at work and he couldn't walk, bringing forward his treatment.

The operation comes a year after he had surgery to repair a damaged cruciate ligament.

Basingstoke senior coach Jim Dixon said: "Hopefully, this will put his knee right, once and for all. It's been a frustrating time for Gunna.

"He's been in and out of the team so much. We do miss him on the pitch. He's a big influence.

"We are not sure how long he will be out of action for - probably six weeks minimum - but we aren't going to rush him back.

"He's had so much trouble before and we want to make sure he's 100 per cent before he comes back.

"He has gone on holiday to Cyprus with Matt Evans, but he's gutted because he can't go in the water!"

Ross Stirling has been taking Chapman's place, and the Gloucester University student has been a quality replacement.

But university commitments are limiting his involvement, so Matt France and Chris Hampson have been used alongside regular Andy Wilson.

France featured for the first time in the defeat at Canterbury last Saturday.

Dixon said: "He's a big guy and is from RAF Odiham.

"I'm glad he's got a game under his belt for us, while Chris is also training hard and playing well when called upon.

"It gives us options in the second row."