Burnley midfielder Ross Wallace is likely to miss the next three months of action after he underwent knee surgery.
Wallace has played in all four of Burnley's matches this season, but manager Sean Dyche has insisted that it was important that the Scot sorted his longstanding knee problem out before it worsened.
The 42-year-old told the club's official website: "It's unfortunate for Ross. He came back from pre-season flying and we didn't expect any problem.
"He did have a niggly knee last season, but we felt that we were on top of it and so did he, but it has just gathered a little bit of pace and got too sore to continue, so it's about time he had something done about it
"He needs an operation and the specialist will know more once Ross gets in hospital, but we have had a scan and there are some details that need tightening up."
Wallace has made 136 appearances for the club since joining in 2010.