Leicester striker Les Ferdinand faces at least a month on the sidelines following surgery on a knee injury last night.
Ferdinand tore a cartilage during the Foxes' friendly against Waterford United on Sunday, aggravating the problem he initially sustained in the opening day 2-2 draw at home to Southampton.
After a visit to a specialist yesterday, the 36-year-old was immediately advised to undergo the operation, leaving boss Micky Adams bitterly disappointed.
Midfielder Billy McKinlay is a doubt for the visit of Leeds on Monday due to a calf strain sustained in the game with Waterford.