Jan Kirchhoff is set for around three months on the sidelines, David Moyes has confirmed.
The German midfielder hobbled off against Chelsea earlier this month and has now undergone knee surgery.
However, Moyes is expecting to welcome three players back into the fold over the coming days, with Javier Manquillo, Steven Pienaar and Billy Jones all in training.
“Jan had an operation during the week to repair his lateral meniscus,” Moyes revealed ahead of the Boxing Day trip to Manchester United.
“At the moment we think it’ll be close to 12 weeks.
“We’ve got a few back in training – Javi is doing a bit and Pienaar is around as well, as is Billy Jones who is doing a bit.
“We’re going to need them, though whether they will be available for the Manchester United game I’m not quite sure.”
