Fulham have lost captain Brede Hangeland for six weeks.
Hangeland's "awkward" surgery to clear sciatic nerve trouble will keep him sidelined past the 10-week mark, according to Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen.
He said: "Brede is a bit of a disappointment to be honest, because we have looked at all medical strategies and it's a bit of an awkward one.
"He's seen another surgeon and a specialist and I think they have decided that they're going for the surgery, which will keep him out for at least six weeks.
"But on a positive note we know now, there's clarity.
"And the one thing that I want for such an important player for us, is that he can focus on the rehabilitation so when he comes back he will be like a new player for us."
