West Ham midfielder Pedro Obiang is expected to miss the rest of the season after a knee operation.
The 25-year-old Spaniard suffered medial ligament damage during West Ham's FA Cup defeat at Wigan on January 27.
The news comes as a fresh blow to manager David Moyes, who was unable to add another holding midfielder to his squad in January and is still battling with a lengthy injury list.
Hammers head of medical Gary Lewin told the club website: "Pedro has undergone surgery to repair the medial collateral ligament, and we're delighted with how it went.
"He went to a specialist in Barcelona for the operation and he is in the best possible hands as the rehab process gets underway.
"Pedro is likely to be out for a little while, but we are confident that he will return fit and strong in ample time for pre-season."
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