Hartlepool United have confirmed that midfielder Michael Woods will miss the rest of the season with a dislocated ankle and fractured fibula.
The 24-year-old suffered the injuries during his side's 1-0 win over AFC Wimbledon in League Two on Saturday.
Having undergone surgery on Sunday morning, Woods will now be out of action until at least the summer.
"After speaking with medical specialists at the hospital and with the club's consultant it became apparent that Michael needed to have the operation as soon as possible," Pools head physio Ian Gallagher told the club's official website.
"Due to the nature of the injury it was decided that we couldn't afford to wait. He's in the best possible hands now and once the surgery is complete we'll make sure he gets all the support he needs during his rehabilitation."
Woods has scored one goal in 27 games for Hartlepool this season.