Crystal Palace goalkeeper Steve Mandanda is facing six weeks on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury in training.
Manager Alan Pardew confirmed the blow in Friday's press conference, revealing that the shot-stopper requires surgery after his knee locked up during a session.
The 55-year-old 'thinks' that it will be six weeks before the goalkeeper can play again, which causes problems for the Eagles ahead of the busy festive schedule.
Pardew's side are currently 17th in the Premier League table, just one place above the relegation zone due to a better goal difference than Hull City.
Palace have won just three of their 13 league games this season, and pressure is growing on Pardew as his team have lost their last six top-flight fixtures.
