St Johnstone have learnt that Steve MacLean will be sidelined for a further three months.
The 31-year old forward has been out since October after sustaining a knee injury but is set to undergo surgery after a follow up scan showed further damage.
MacLean will have the operation on Friday and is not expected to return until at least February while teammate Steven Anderson will miss a further seven weeks with a hand problem.
"It's disappointing for everyone, not least the players, but we have to live with it and it is paramount that that we get it right medically," Saints boss Tommy Wright said.
"That's football and we'll just have to get on with it. Their on-going absence will continue to give opportunities to others to show what they can do."
