Friday 31 October 2014 15:45, UK
Brentford defender Alan McCormack faces three months on the sidelines after being told he requires ankle surgery.
The opinion of the leading ankle consultant in the country has been sought and early surgical repair is the most proactive course of action.
McCormack suffered ligament damage during the 3-1 defeat to Bolton last weekend and will go under the knife on Monday.
Brentford’s head of medical staff Neil Greig confirmed: "Alan has sustained a nasty and unusual ankle ligament injury.
"The opinion of the leading ankle consultant in the country has been sought and early surgical repair is the most proactive course of action.
"The medical and conditioning staff will give Alan every support in the coming months in order to ensure his safe return to action as swiftly as possible.”
The news will be a blow to the Bees as the 30-year-old Irishman, who signed a new two-year deal in September, has started every game so far this season.
