Newcastle United midfielder Sylvain Marveaux is expected to be sidelined for up to four months after undergoing groin surgery in America.
The 25-year-old Frenchman picked up the injury in the Magpies' 2-1 win against Everton on Saturday, November 5.
"We think that's going to be three to four months, perhaps four months, but it was a very successful operation," said manager Alan Pardew.
Marveaux moved to the North East side from French club Rennes over the summer.