Tottenham have been dealt the blow that Moussa Sissoko will be out until April with a knee injury sustained in the 1-0 defeat at Southampton on New Year's Day.
The Frenchman played the full 90 minutes at St. Mary's, but missed the 1-1 FA Cup draw at Middlesbrough on Sunday as a result of the issue.
And Spurs have since confirmed that Sissoko has undergone surgery that means he will not return to training until April.
"Following a clinical assessment and scans, Moussa Sissoko has today (Tuesday) undergone surgery to the medial collateral ligament in his right knee," a statement read on the club's official website.
"The France international sustained the injury in our fixture against Southampton, resulting in him missing our recent FA Cup tie at Middlesbrough.
"Our medical staff will monitor Moussa’s recovery before he commences rehabilitation with a view to returning to training in early April."
The news will come as a blow to head coach Jose Mourinho, who is currently without Sissoko's compatriot Tanguy Ndombele due to a hip problem, leaving Spurs short in midfield.
Key players Harry Kane and Hugo Lloris are presently sidelined for the north London side as they gear up for Saturday's daunting welcome of title favourites Liverpool.