On-loan Aston Villa midfielder Jermaine Jenas will be sidelined for six months following surgery on his left Achilles tendon.
The 28-year-old, who is on loan at Villa Park from Tottenham Hotspur, was expected to be ruled out for a lengthy absence after being stretchered off against Manchester United last Saturday.
"This is tragic for Jermaine and, of course, we are all deeply disappointed for him," Villa boss Alex McLeish told the club's official website.
"To lose a player of his talent and experience is bad enough but never to have seen him play enough in the Villa shirt for our fans to appreciate the player he is, that's terrible bad luck.
"Obviously, we wish Jermaine as speedy a recovery as possible and a full recovery, too. He has been a great professional to have at the club since he arrived on loan in August."
Jenas has only made two appearances for the Midlands side since joining the club in the summer.
