Tottenham captain Ledley King is set for groin surgery on Wednesday after manager Harry Redknapp admitted the England international is nowhere near returning to action.
King has been troubled for several years by serious knee problems which restrict his training and playing time, but the latest injury has proved equally hard to shake off and the decision has been taken to go under the knife.
The 30-year-old has not played for Tottenham since limping off during his side's 2-1 win at Fulham last October.
The news comes as a blow to Redknapp, who is already without the suspended defender Michael Dawson and injured centre-backs Younes Kaboul and William Gallas.
With King sidelined, Redknapp is likely to be forced to rush long-term injury victim Jonathan Woodgate back into action as soon as possible.