Nottingham Forest defender Jack Hobbs has been told to prepare for a long spell out of action after being forced to undergo surgery on his knee.
Initial expectations were optimistic after he suffered the injury against Derby County last month, but he is now not scheduled to return to full fitness until December.
"Jack unfortunately had a problem with his ankle again. He had more surgery earlier this week and is now out of hospital. We're looking at a three-month period of him being out," Forest's head physiotherapist Dave Galley revealed on the club's website.
"It's good news that we've found out what the problem was and that it's been dealt with. He's having a week of total none weight-bearing and then we'll graduate his recovery from there.
"He'll be like a new signing come Christmas."
Forest are currently second in the Championship, level on points with leaders Norwich City.
