London, Mar 7 (ANI): England spinner Graeme Swann has said that it is necessary for him to have elbow surgery, admitting that it will be 'curtains' for his career without it.

Swann, who will fly to the United States next week for an operation to remove fragments of bone floating in his right elbow, said that the surgery is a must in order for him to save his career, adding that he has been assured that the operation is simple and will bring positive results, the Mirror reports.

Swann, who had recovered from a similar problem four years ago, said that although he was disappointed to be told that an urgent surgery was necessary for the injury, which he claimed had worsened in last week's four-day practice match in Queenstown, he is hoping that similar to his last surgery, he will bounce back in a short time.

According to Swann, who has won 50 Test caps, it is necessary for him to have the surgery as this year has a lot of important games for England which meant that he needed to take an active role in the squad.

Adding that the news was very sudden for him, as the injury had never manifested itself as a dire predicament for him, Swann said that although he will be relieved once the surgery gets done, he is apprehensive right now because of his fear of general anaesthetics.

After the operation, Swann faces a fortnight rigged up to a device, which bends his elbow mechanically to restore full movement to the joint.

England's most successful off-spinner in history is now likely to miss five Tests against New Zealand - three away plus two at home in May - and his realistic comeback target will be the Champions Trophy in June, the report added. (ANI)