Fulham boss Martin Jol fears midfielder Mahamadou Diarra's career is over.
He has had surgery three times this season in efforts to rectify the issues and Jol fears the former Real Madrid midfielder's career could be over.
Jol revealed the 31-year-old faces a further five or six months on the sidelines, but the club will continue to pay for his treatment in an effort to save his career. Jol said: "He is worth giving that chance.
"He was a top, top player - he played a long time with Real Madrid. He will have a chance to prove he is fit and if he does we will try to keep him for the next six months."