Bradford City winger Omar Daley could be out until Christmas after an operation on his knee revealed the damage was worse than thought.
The 27-year-old picked up the ligament injury in the 0-0 draw with Darlington earlier this month.
Manager Stuart McCall told the Telegraph & Argus: "When the surgeon went into the knee he found the problem was much bigger [than the scan showed].
"It's not only the lateral ligament but the cruciate is damaged as well."
The Jamaica international has started started 29 games this season, scoring four times, including the opening goal in the recent win at Gillingham.
"It was a really bad injury and the surgeon thinks it could be eight to ten months before Omar can look to play again," he said.
"We could be looking at Christmas, which is obviously a massive blow.
"It's going to be very hard for Omar but he's got to try to get his head round it. He needs to be mentally strong.
"He's saying all the right things about coming back stronger and I'm sure he will.
"Omar's going to be in a brace for a few weeks and then he can hopefully start setting himself little targets."
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