Tottenham Hotspur defender Radu Dragusin is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament.
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The 23-year-old was forced off in the second half of Spurs' 3-0 win over Swedish side Elfsborg in the Europa League last week. He has made 28 appearances in all competitions this season.
"Dragusin will undergo surgery for an ACL injury to his right knee," Spurs said in a statement.
The player posted on Instagram: "Football gives you incredible moments, but also challenges-some harder than others. Unfortunately, I now face one of those challenges: a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in my right knee.
"That being said, one of the many things I've learned from this sport is that behind every obstacle hides an opportunity to learn and grow.
"Football doesn't just teach you how to win-it teaches you how to fight when things get tough. A difficult period lies ahead, but I will come back stronger, and I will work hard every single day during my post-surgery recovery to make that happen."
The Romania international's injury is a blow to Spurs' backline, with defenders Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie also sidelined, along with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
Spurs signed defender Kevin Danso on loan from Ligue 1 side Lens on Sunday to bolster their defensive cover.
There was a major tonic for Spurs' Australian manager Ange Postecoglou with the transfer deadline day signing of Bayern Munch forward Mathys Tel, who chose the club ahead of a number of EPL rivals.
Tel said: "Why I chose Tottenham? Because that was the best option for me, what was important for me. I felt the commitment, I spoke with the president (chairman Daniel Levy), talked with the manager.
"I'm young. I've started to grow up and this was the best option for me and I'm very happy."
There is pressure on Tel, who scored 16 goals across 83 games for Bayern, to make a fast start as struggling Spurs look to rescue what threatens to become a calamitous season.
A run of two wins in 12 Premier League games has left them 14th in the table, though there were shoots of recovery in Sunday's 2-0 victory at Brentford and they have also secured passage to the Europa League last 16.
They take a 1-0 aggregate lead to Liverpool on Thursday in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool which could see Tel, who has arrived initially on loan but with an option for a reported $101,000 (£50.2m) move, make his debut.
Australian Associated Press
