Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger will miss the remainder of the season through injury.
The centre-back sustained a knee problem during the 1-1 draw against Manchester United at the weekend.
He needed assistance from the Blues medical staff to be helped off the Old Trafford pitch and amid reports from Gianluca Di Marzio that he was to undergo an operation, the worst fears have been confirmed.
Rudiger, Willian, Kovacic and Ampadu - Latest Chelsea injury news & expected return dates
On Tuesday night the club released an official statement which read:
"Toni Rudiger successfully underwent surgery on his left knee meniscus today. He will miss the rest of this campaign and will rehab over the summer to be back early next season."
And the German international took to social media shortly after the operation to share a message with the Chelsea supporters.
"What a pity I won't be able to help my team during the last games of the season,"he wrote on Instagram. "But my knee surgery went well and I'm already positive again.
"Thanks for all your messages and comments.
"And special thanks to the efforts of Professor Mariani and his team."
Rudiger's injury does leave Maurizio Sarri rather short of options in central defence for the remainder of the season.
Andreas Christensen is the obvious choice to replace the German and partner David Luiz, but should either player suffer a set-back then it could result in a recall for club captain Gary Cahill.
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