Aston Villa skipper Steve Staunton has undergone an operation to cure a double hernia.
The former Republic of Ireland defender has been troubled with the setback for several weeks and underwent surgery last night.
Villa manager Graham Taylor had been hoping that Staunton could delay surgery because of his current defensive injury crisis which also leaves him without centre-back Ronny Johnsen.
But the 33-year-old player has gone under the knife and is expected to be out of action for a minimum of three weeks.
The ex-Liverpool player is also to have further surgery later this week on an ankle problem.
Taylor said: "He has had a double hernia operation and he will also have an ankle operation in the next 48 hours.
"It is a big blow to us and everyone knows how much I admire Steve as a professional. We've also got Ronny Johnsen out but, if I have to, we will throw in the kids."
On Saturday Taylor gave a Premiership debut to rookie defender Rob Edwards who put in a solid performance at right-back in the 1-0 home success over Middlesbrough.