Jonathan Williams will have surgery to repair a hernia Friday morning, according to Gophers spokesman Matt Slieter.

Tubby Smith said senior center Jonathan Williams visited doctors Thursday morning to determine the next steps in dealing with a hernia that he suffered in recent weeks. On KFAN’s Dan Barreiro show Wednesday, Smith said Williams could miss four to six weeks because of the injury. That timetable begins after Williams’ procedure.

New Orleans Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey missed three games with a hernia this season. And Virginia Tech sophomore forward J.T. Thompson is expected to miss four to six weeks due to a hernia he recently suffered.

Smith said both Williams and junior forward Damian Johnson will miss this weekend’s games. Johnson is practicing without contact. I watched him go through drills after practice Thursday, and he looked like he was in good shape, although his left hand, which he broke a few weeks ago, was still wrapped up.  The absence of both Williams and Johnson will force Travis Busch and Jamal Abu-Shamala to play power forward, Smith said.

After discussing all of Minnesota’s early injuries, Smith said he wants to add a few walk-ons to next season’s roster. He said Northern State had 17 players on their team last week, and he wants the Gophers to have similar numbers next season. If every player returns next season and all of the recruits qualify, then Minnesota will have 15 players on its roster.

-Former St. Bernard’s, Henry Sibley and Marquette forward Trevor Mbakwe has signed a letter or intent to play for the Gophers next season. He just sent me a text message. He’s a true power forward that will contribute right away. I think every member of Minnesota’s 2009 recruiting class, with the exception of Justin Cobbs, has a chance to start next season. According to rivals.com, Royce White is the top prospect to sign with a Big Ten school. Minnesota’s 2009 class was still listed at No. 22 nationally on the site Thursday afternoon.

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