Blackburn Rovers manager Steve Kean has revealed that Gael Givet may require heart surgery.

The 30-year-old was substituted during his side's 2-1 loss at Sunderland last weekend with a high heart rate, a problem that he has suffered with throughout his career.

He has since undergone a number of medical tests and it has been confirmed that an operation may be required to correct the problem.

"Obviously we're hoping Gael gets the all-clear," Kean told the Daily Star. "If not, I think it's a small procedure that will put it right.

"It goes way beyond an injury. You've got plenty of tendons in your body but you've only got one heart.

"You don't hear of these very often. It's new to me."

No date has been given for Givet's return.