Alex Lacey has been ruled out for the remainder of Notts County's season after it emerged the defender is likely to require an operation on a hip problem.
The defender needed to be replaced at half-time in the 2-2 draw at Torquay United last month and was promptly sent for scans to determine the extent of the injury.
Another scan has since revealed that Lacey is now set to undergo the surgeon's knife which will now keep him out of Notts' promotion push.
Head coach Ian Burchnall said: "I don't expect now to see him the rest of the season. He's probably going to need an operation, but it's not hopefully it's not a long-term thing.
"We'll get that fixed fairly soon. But I don't anticipate him being back this season now.
"He's a top player no question, but sadly he's not been available.
"We've played well recently. Players have come in and done their job. We'll focus on that and Alex will focus on his rehab and certainly, he will come back stronger."
With Lacey set for a spell on the sidelines, Notts are hoping that Connell Rawlinson will pass a late fitness test for tomorrow's clash against Wrexham.
The former Port Vale defender missed Saturday's 2-2 draw against Bromley due to a hip flexor problem.
But he will be given every chance to prove his fitness ahead of the trip to the Racecourse and has been rated as 50/50 for the National League clash.
