Dundee United have suffered a double injury blow, with two first-team players needing surgery.
Left-back Paul Dixon and midfielder Chris Erskine are both facing lengthy spells on the sidelines.
Dixon needs a hernia operation, while Erskine will go under the knife after suffering from osteitis pubis, a condition that affects the pelvic/abdominal area.
With United looking to have all options available as they try to turn around their form, it is the last thing manager Jackie McNamara needs.
The Tannadice boss confirmed: “Paul Dixon is needing a hernia operation and Chris Erskine is needing an operation for his osteitis pubis.
“It’s a blow but that’s football.
“I think Chris will possibly get his operation next week, although we are not sure yet.
“He went to see someone on Wednesday and he will be looking at being out for a good number of weeks.
“I am not sure how quickly we can get Paul’s one done and he might be out for around a month.
“I don’t know if he can play through it until the op because he feels as though it’s affecting him and his performance, as well as his movement.”
To add to the selection woes, there is also a doubt over new frontman Billy Mckay ahead of tomorrow’s clash against his former club Inverness Caley Thistle at Tannadice.
McNamara said: “Billy has gone over his ankle again so he hasn’t trained but hopefully he will be OK for the weekend.”