Macclesfield defender Carl Tremarco has under-gone hip surgery and is set for several months on the sidelines.
Tremarco has attempted to solve the long-standing injury that has been causing him considerable pain and boss Gary Simpson is hoping he will be back in action before the end of the season.
Simpson said: "It's going to be several months before Tommy (Tremarco) is back in consideration. And if I'm honest I am kind of assuming that he won't be available again this season. That would be a big blow."
He added: "From what we gather the surgeon seemed quite pleased with how it went but in many ways that was the easy part.
"It's a similar injury to what Shaun Brisley underwent and there's no getting away from the fact it's a serious one.
"But he's a determined character and hopefully with the support of Reid, the backroom team and the lads he'll prove me wrong and be back wearing the shirt before the season is out."
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