Celtic midfielder Beram Kayal has vowed to return to action before the end of the current campaign.
Kayal underwent ankle ligament surgery on Monday and was warned that he is likely to be out for at least four months.
Despite the diagnosis, the Israeli midfielder is confident that he can recover quickly.
The 23-year-old said: "The doctor and specialist sat with me this morning and said that the surgery was successful, the timing has been lousy for me after we reclaimed top spot in the league in such an impressive way.
"But just as I've come back stronger in the past, I believe that I will do so again this time."
Kayal will now rest for two weeks before meeting with doctors to decide when he can begin walking.
