Nottingham Forest recruit Robbie Findley could miss about three months after sustaining a thigh injury.
The USA international gained a move to the English Championship in December but has yet to make an appearance for Forest.
And now he may have to wait until next season after it was revealed that the injury is more serious than initially feared.
It is a blow to Forest boss Billy Davies who was hoping to add some goalscoring strength to his squad which finds itself in fourth position on the league table as they chase promotion to the Premier League.