QPR midfielder Kieron Dyer has suffered an injury setback in his recovery from a foot problem.
The former West Ham United man has been sidelined since the Premier League's opening day clash with Bolton but returned to action for the R's reserves on Tuesday.
However, Dyer limped out of the second string meeting with Bolton and will now undergo surgery to fix the problem which has been confirmed by manager Neil Warnock.
"I have never met a more determined pro in my career, and he really doesn't deserve this.
"The specialist said he thought Kieron could return before Christmas without the need for an operation and is disappointed that this is not the case, and he has no alternative now but to operate.
"I have absolutely no doubt that he will recover after the operation. We are going to support him as best we can because he has got such a contribution to make, both on and off the field.
"And even though he has not featured for us, he has made a vital contribution at the training ground and has been very important to have around the place.""This is a devastating blow for Kieron," he told the club's official website.
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