Leicester are set to be without Jamie Vardy for a number of weeks.
The striker has to have a "minor hernia" operation.
Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers hopes Vardy will make a quick recovery with a potentially crucial visit of Premier League champions Liverpool next month, the target date for his return.
Much as he was five years ago, Vardy has been central to Leicester's ascent up the Premier League table.
They're currently third in the league, and just two-points adrift of Manchester United at the top aided by 11-goals from the striker.
"Jamie Vardy will be out for a few weeks," Rodgers confirmed ahead of Sunday's FA Cup 4th round trip to Brentford.
"As you know, we’ve been managing him over this last number of months, and he’s been absolutely fantastic.
"It’s one that doesn’t keep him [Vardy] out for too long, but it’s just a repair in and round that hernia area. It’s one we feel he can’t really put it off much longer.
"We were hoping to do it a few weeks back, but this is window where we can get it done and that will obviously leave him with a good part of the season where he can be really influential for us."
Vardy's missed just one Premier League game for Leicester this season, one which they happened to lose (1-0 at home to Aston Villa).
Rodgers is targeting the Valentine's weekend visit of Liverpool for Vardy's return to action.
That means the 34-year old marksman will miss games with Everton, Leeds United, Fulham and Wolves.
Liverpool fallout, Paddy Andrews talks Dublin, Jerry Kiernan, Quinlan, Kerr, Crappy Quiz
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
