Huddersfield Town defender Joel Lynch is to have minor surgery and will be on the sidelines for a month, the club have announced.
The operation is to treat an ongoing groin issue, which Huddersfield were hoping to manage until the end of the season.
Unfortunately, Lynch requires surgery now and he will undergo a procedure to to release his inguinal ligament on Thursday.
"Losing Joel is a blow, because he's been an integral part of the team this season and has performed very well," Terriers manager Mark Robins told the club website.
"The medical staff and Joel have been working hard to manage this issue together until the end of the season, but we're reached the point where it needs to get resolved.
"I know Joel will work hard on his rehabilitation and we're already looking forward to welcoming him back in a month's time."
Welsh international Lynch has made 26 Championship appearances for Huddersfield this season, scoring two goals.
Pascal Lemesre
