The 22-year-old utility man went under the knife to repair the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, his fourth operation of its kind in recent years.
Matthew Bates: "I know people might have read that it could be the end of my career but that's never entered my head, and the surgeons agree.
"They've said there's no reason I shouldn't get back to playing.
"Unfortunately, it will be at least six months before I'm running again so it looks like I'm out for the season now.
"I really wanted to play a big part in helping the club win promotion this season but it wasn't meant to be. Now the aim is to get me back for pre-season next year.
"The surgeon says every part of the operation went smoothly, he was pleased with the outcome.
"He found very much what he expected but he has carried out a slightly different procedure from the one I've had before that should help stabilise the knee as well the cruciate.
"My orthopaedic surgeon has already carried out major ops on players like Didier Drogba and more recently Freddie Flintoff.
"It was reassuring to see someone like Freddie utilising this same surgeon's skills just before I was relying on him!"