Aston Villa captain Martin Laursen will be out for two months after undergoing an operation on his right knee.
The 31-year-old centre-back was injured during the 1-0 win over West Ham on 20 December but returned to action against West Brom earlier this month.
However, the injury was worse than first feared and it was decided that he should be operated on.
Laursen has been in inspirational form for Villa this season, helping the club to the top four of the Premier League.
The former AC Milan player's absence means Zat Knight and Carlos Cuellar will be battling for a place alongside Curtis Davies in central defence.
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