Rob Gronkowski will undergo a fourth operation on the forearm that he fractured in November, it has been confirmed.

The New England Patriots tight end will have the surgery in Boston next week to replace a plate that was fitted in his arm following the initial injury.

The 24-year-old is expected to be ready for the Patriots' pre-season training camp, as long as the infection that has slowed his recovery has cleared up.

Gronkowski was able to return from the injury for the final game of the regular season in 2012, but again broke the bone during the playoff win over the Houston Texans in January.