Newcastle United striker Papiss Cisse has reportedly been ruled out for around a month with a groin injury.
Reports last week suggested that the Senegalese forward might make a surprise return, but now it seems he will not return before February.
According to PA, the 30-year-old will have to undergo surgery on the problem which has seen him sit out the Magpies' last five games.
Cisse's absence means that Aleksandar Mitrovic, who scored his fourth goal for the club in last night's 3-3 draw with Manchester United, is Newcastle's only fit out-and-out frontman.
The relegation-threatened side have already signed Jonjo Shelvey and Henri Saivet this month and are thought to be in the market for a striker.
