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Catalans Dragons full-back Brent Webb will undergo surgery on a back injury that is likely to rule him out for the rest of the Super League season.

The 32-year-old, who has made only three appearances since his move from Leeds last year, joins half-back Scott Dureau as a long-term absentee.

"It's obviously a really bad news, especially after Dureau's surgery," coach Laurent Frayssinous said.

"They are two key players in the squad and two of the best in their position."

Dureau has now resumed training after a tumour was discovered behind his eye during pre-season, but is still months away from a return to first-team action.

The diagnosis for Webb is four to six months out of action following the operation, and the operation follows a string of injuries that disrupted his time at Headingley with the Rhinos.

Catalans do not have another specialist full-back, so the role may now go to one of three-quarters Leon Pryce, Daryl Millard, Damien Cardace or Mathias Pala.

"The team had to face a couple of [bits of] bad news since November and has always found the strength to overcome that.

"Brent Webb's long-term absence is an opportunity for others players who deserve it to play in Super League and earn their place on the team sheet," Frayssinous added.