Norwich City manager Alex Neil is frustrated to lose Jonny Howson after the midfielder underwent ankle surgery.
The 28-year-old, who has scored three goals in 11 appearances so far this season, will be out for at least two months with the injury.
"It's really, really frustrating for us because Jonny is a big player and we're going to be missing him for quite a few weeks," Neil told BBC Radio Norfolk after Saturday's defeat by Preston.
"It's a huge blow."
Former Leeds player Howson has missed the Canaries' past three matches with the problem.