Hull City striker Abel Hernandez is to undergo a hernia operation and will spend an additional three weeks on the sidelines.
Tigers boss Mike Phelan revealed that Hernandez, who has not played since picking up a groin injury last month, is set for an extended spell out and is set to go under the knife this week.
The Uruguay international has been out since leaving the field nine minutes into Hull's 2-1 victory over Southampton on November 6.
Hernandez was one of Steve Bruce's key men during Hul's promotion campaign, scoring 22 goals last term, has netted only once this season.