The 30 year old has been plagued with injuries problem throughout his professional career and has not played since last November.
“It’s so sad for Jonathan,” he told Sky Sports News. “He’s such a good player and a great lad as well.
“He’s been all round the world really, trying to find a cure for this groin problem.
“He’s seen two specialists and he’s going to get one more opinion, but they seem to be of the opinion that the only chance is an operation.
“If he has the op then he’s going to be out for quite a long time again before he’ll be fit to play.
“But whatever it takes, we’ll back him 100 per cent. We’d love to see him back.
“We just hope he can get it sorted. No-one could have tried harder than he’s tried – he’s give it everything he’s got.
“It’s amazing. He just can’t find a cure for it at the moment, and the operation seems the last chance.”
