Brighton midfielder Steve Sidwell has had surgery on a long-standing back problem.
Sidwell started 26 Championship games during Albion's promotion-winning campaign but is yet to feature in this season's Premier League.
And the 34-year-old will have to wait for his chance after an operation on his back.
Brighton boss Chris Hughton told the club website: "It's a minor procedure and it has been successful.
"In terms of a recovery period, that will become clearer in due course, but we don't expect Steve to be absent for a prolonged period."
Sidwell is definitely out this weekend, when Hughton's side host West Brom on the south coast.