Tottenham captain Hugo Lloris has undergone surgery on the dislocated elbow that has ruled him out since October 5 but the club insists he remains on course to return to training in January.
The France goalkeeper dislocated his elbow and sustained ligament damage in the opening minutes of Tottenham's 3-0 defeat at Brighton last month.
Spurs initially hoped to avoid surgery on the 32-year-old but said further tests had revealed concerns with his recovery.
"Following further clinical testing and examination, Hugo Lloris has now undergone surgery on his left elbow," read a club statement.
"Surgery was advised after further reviews by specialists found the elbow remained unstable. Our Club captain remains on course to return to training in the early part of next year."
Paulo Gazzaniga has deputised in goal and the Argentine made a fine point-blank save to deny Milan Pavkov in last night's 4-0 win at Red Star Belgrade.
Spurs also re-signed veteran Michel Vorm on a free transfer as cover until the end of the season after the Dutchman left the club in the summer at the end of his contract.
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