Aston Villa skipper Steve Staunton could be out for up to three weeks with a hernia problem.
Villa manager Graham Taylor confirmed that the former Republic Of Ireland international is likely to need surgery soon.
It will leave Taylor with a central defensive problem for the visit of Bolton on New Year's Day if Staunton cannot battle through another 90 minutes as Ronny Johnsen is already out with hamstring trouble.
Taylor said: "The chances are that Steve will need a hernia operation. He has tried to play through it but it is likely he will need surgery - and he is likely to need it sooner rather than later."
Staunton admitted: "It's got to the stage where I need to get something done and hopefully we can get it sorted out this week. We are probably talking about two or three weeks before I can get back."
PA