Stoke City striker Peter Odemwingie has admitted he was "gutted" to learn that he faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a knee injury.

The Nigeria international needs an operation for cruciate damage and could be out for as long as a year.

"Now surgery is required. Really gutted I will miss many games of the season. Will work hard to be back as early as possible," the 33-year-old wrote on Twitter.

"We have a strong squad that will do great in the league and I will be back well in time for the Wembley finals!"

Stoke boss Mark Hughes has omitted the injured forward from the 25-man squad he lodged with the Premier League for the current season.