Russell Slade has confirmed that Bruno Manga coul be out for the next eight or nine weeks.
The Gabon defender picked up a groin injury while training with his national side.
Manga has been on the bench since returning from a previous injury that saw him miss the start of the season.
“The international players always come back with varying degrees of fatigue depending on what matches they’ve played," Slade told the media at yesterday's press conference.
“Disappointingly, Bruno has picked up an injury. The early signs are that he could be out for up to eight or nine weeks. Unfortunately it’s a Grade three groin strain, and it’s very difficult as it is completely out of our control.
“It’s frustrating for Bruno too, as he’s had so many little injuries since the start of the season. Now, unfortunately, he’s had a serious one in training between Gabon’s two matches.
“He’s back now and he had the scans last night, but that’s the big, disappointing news from the international break.”