The talented Froch knocked out Brian Magee last month

Froch moved closer to a domestic super-fight with Joe Calzaghe when he was installed as the WBC's third-ranked super middleweight.

He became the first man to stop Belfast's Brian Magee last month but suffered the injury during the fight.

"It was a bad fracture but I've been told it won't give me any long-term problems," said Nottingham's Froch.

"I carried on punching with the hand for nine rounds and the bone got moved about but it was pinned in two places last week so that it sets back straight.

"Injuries like this are one of the things that a puncher has to live with. I have got to rest it for about six weeks but then it will be as good as new.

"It's not related to any previous injuries. It won't stop me fighting again once the boxing season starts properly in the autumn."

Froch, 28, is unbeaten in 19 fights with 15 wins coming inside the distance.

He is ranked fifth by the WBO, ninth by the IBF and 15th by the WBA.

And his promoter Mick Hennessy reckons his charge will be ready for a world title tilt this time next year.

"We will target the European title and then a final eliminator," said Hennessy.

"When he does meet (IBF and WBO champion) Calzaghe it will be one of the biggest upsets in world boxing.

"I strongly believe that Carl is the best super middleweight in the world and he will prove that over the next 12 months."

Calzaghe, 33, won the IBF title from America's Jeff Lacy in sensational fashion in March but was forced to abandon a defence against Glen Johnson this July.