Bolton Wanderers forward Dan Nlundulu faces a number of months out after picking up a hamstring injury that requires surgery.
The forward, 24, has scored five times since joining the Trotters permanently from Southampton in the summer.
“Dan’s got a significant hamstring tear, which will require surgery,” said manager Ian Evatt.
Evatt won manager of the month for a second consecutive month after getting 10 points out of 12 in November.
“We are looking at months not weeks for Dan,” he told Radio Manchester.
“He has been in good form and was getting to be the player we know he can be, so that makes it tougher.
“But we’re a family here and we’ll rally round him.”
Bolton, who are second in League One, are away to leaders Portsmouth on Monday (20:00 GMT).
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