Cardiff City striker Federico Macheda is to miss up to 10 weeks of action after undergoing back surgery.
The former Manchester United frontman has played less than 10 minutes of first-team football this season, and manager Russell Slade says that the Italian's wait is likely to stretch into November.
"The operation went well which is naturally very pleasing. He's working very hard to get back to fitness now, but, of course, this is a setback for him," Slade told reporters.
"It's done now and he will be working to get back sooner rather than later. Right now we believe he is looking at eight to ten weeks before he is ready again."
Macheda has scored eight goals in 26 appearances since joining the Bluebirds on a free transfer last summer.
