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Chelsea have been stunned by the news that right-back Jose Bosingwa is facing three months on the sidelines after having an operation on a knee injury.
Bosingwa has been ruled out since he first sustained the problem against Aston Villa more than three weeks ago and had exploratory surgery on Tuesday.
It is understood the damage to his ligaments is worse than first feared and the Portuguese has now had another operation to repair the problem.
The 27-year-old will be missed by Carlo Ancelotti's side as he offers a great attacking threat from right-back, though Chelsea do have Branislav Ivanovic, Juliano Belletti and Paulo Ferreira as cover.
Bosingwa's injury has also come as a blow to Portugal, who play a two-legged World Cup play-off against Bosnia over the next week.
Portugal boss Carlos Queiroz said: "We have spoken with Bosingwa to try to lift his spirits and it's a bad blow to be without him for the play-offs. But we wish him well for his recuperation for his club, and also to be available for the World Cup, where hopefully we will be next summer."
The news of Bosingwa's long-term absence follows that of Ashley Cole suffering more complications with a depressed fracture in his leg, although he is still expected to return to face Arsenal on 29 November at the latest.
