Paris Saint-Germain’s striker, Neymar, will not play again this season.
The Ligue 1 club has confirmed he will need surgery on an ankle injury suffered last month.
The Brazilian forward was forced off with an ankle problem during PSG’s win over Lille on February 19, and has not played since.
The club has now said Neymar will be ruled out for between three and four months by surgery, which will be carried out in Doha.
A statement from PSG said: “Neymar has had several episodes of right ankle instability in recent years.
“Following his last sprain contracted on February 20, the medical staff of Paris Saint-Germain recommended a ligament repair operation, in order to avoid a major risk of recurrence.
“All of the experts consulted confirmed this need. A delay of three to four months is expected before his return to collective training.”