Manchester United striker Anthony Martial will be out for more than two months after undergoing groin surgery, the club announced on Wednesday.
Martial is expected to be out for 10 weeks after opting to undergo surgery to correct the problem following discussions with United's medical staff.
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The long layoff raises the possibility that Martial, who joined Old Trafford from Monaco in 2015, may have played his last game for the club and his contract expires in June.
United have decided not to trigger an automatic one-year extension and the 28-year-old will become a free agent in the summer.
Martial has not featured since the 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth on December 9. He was initially ruled out due to illness, but has also been dealing with a groin injury that ultimately required surgery.
The forward has played 19 games this season and has scored two goals. Martial, who is in his ninth season at the club, has scored 90 goals in 317 games.
A statement issued by United on Wednesday read: “Anthony Martial has successfully completed surgery to treat a groin problem and will be out of action for around 10 weeks while he rehabilitates.
“We wish Anthony a speedy recovery and look forward to his return.”
Erik ten Hag has lost Martial until at least April, but the Dutch manager is hopeful more players will return for the FA Cup fourth round match against Newport County on Sunday.
Lisandro Martínez and Casemiro were able to return to the team before the 2-2 draw against Tottenham, while Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw took part in training during United's winter break.
Maguire has not played since December due to a groin injury, while Shaw has missed the last four games with a hamstring problem.
