Leeds United have confirmed that captain Liam Bridcutt could be out of action for up to two months.
The midfielder has been trying to recover from a foot problem and it had been thought he could be in the mix to return this weekend when Leeds take on Barnsley at Elland Road.
But Bridcutt's injury is far more serious than originally thought and it has been confirmed that the midfielder is looking at six to eight weeks out of action.
The former Sunderland man may also then have to build up his fitness or at least build up his match sharpness for the club's Under-23 side, as Gaetano Berardi has been doing.
However, even if Bridcutt is able to return at the end of the six week period he will still miss a clutch of games for Garry Monk's side.
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Even with a six week absence, Bridcutt will miss games against Barnsley, Derby, Wigan, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Norwich (EFL Cup), Burton and Norwich.
He could potentially be fit to return for Leeds' clash against Newcastle United on 20th November.
The Whites will be crossing their fingers that Bridcutt is a quick healer and defies the odds to return to action sooner than anticipated.
