Taiwo Awoniyi has been ruled out for 'months' following groin surgery in a major blow for Nottingham Forest.
The Nigerian striker, who has scored four goals in 11 appearances and is Steve Cooper's top scorer this season, has been managing the problem since October.
He played for his country in their draw with Lesotho but withdrew from the squad and has now gone under the knife.
It is his second significant absence for the club after he missed 15 games last season due to another groin injury.
Cooper said: 'It's bad news on Taiwo, he's had to have surgery and he is going to be out for months.