Mike van der Hoorn has issued a message to Swansea City fans following the gut-wrenching news that he is set to be out for the remainder of the season through injury.
The centre-back has not featured for the Swans since the 1-0 win over Charlton on January 2.
Steve Cooper revealed ahead of the Championship clash with Fulham that the defender had received a scan on his knee.
And it has since been revealed that van der Hoorn needed an operation to repair the problem, which means he is unlikely to play any further part in the 2019/20 campaign.
“There is an update on Mike, he has had to have an operation today,” said Cooper.
“That is unfortunate for him, he had a check-up scan yesterday but it showed the knee had not recovered as we thought it would and should.
“He has had surgery straight away, which pretty much rules him out for the season.
“He might make the last game of the season and – Mike being Mike – he is thinking that way.
“But he has had a tough one.”
The Dutchman had the procedure at the Fortius Surgical Centre in London prior to the Swans' 1-0 loss to Fulham at Craven Cottage.
And van der Hoorn has vowed to return to action in stronger shape having gone under the knife in the English capital.
Writing on his official Instagram account, the defender said: "Unfortunately I needed surgery. I’ll be back stronger. Thx (sic) @fortiusclinic for the great care!"
A number of players including Borja Baston, Luciano Narsingh and Courtney Baker-Richardson showed their support for the central defender who also received a raft of positive messages from the Jack Army.
The 27-year-old's contract with Swansea expires in the summer, meaning he may well have played his final game for the club.
Trevor Birch recently revealed that van der Hoorn will be offered a new contract, although the chairman stated that the terms of a potential deal will be significantly reduced if Swansea fail to gain promotion this season.
The defender has made 119 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring six goals.
