Plymouth Argyle midfielder Joe Ralls will be out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury.
The 32-year-old has not played since being hurt against Luton Town on 24 January and will require surgery to correct the issue.
The former Cardiff City midfielder joined Argyle as a free agent in November on a short-term deal and extended his contract until then end of the season in early January.
“The injury Joe suffered was right on the borderline of conservative rehab and surgical rehab,” said Argyle head coach Tom Cleverley.
“Because it was right on the borderline we wanted more than one opinion on that and that process has taken a little bit of time.
“Now we’ve come to the conclusion that Joe will go for surgery and unfortunately it looks like he’s played his last game this season for the club.”
Ralls scored once in 10 League One appearances for the Pilgrims and also featured in one Vertu Trophy tie.
Cleverley says he is unsure whether Ralls will have a future at the club when his deal ends in the summer, but says Argyle will look after him as he recovers.
“We obviously appreciate what Joe did for us in a short period of time and unfortunately that looks to be that for this season,” he added.
“He’s a really intelligent guy. I can really relate to him being a similar kind of player, similar position, and the similar situation I found myself in towards the end of my career with a fairly serious injury.
“He needs to get this rehab right now for the longevity of his career, and the best way to ensure that is the surgical route.
“We’ll be here every step of the way from him and we’ll see what the summer brings.”
