Barcelona have been rocked by the news that Luis Suarez will be sidelined for four months.
The Uruguayan, who has registered more assists (7) than any other player in LaLiga this season, went under the knife on Sunday to correct a knee issue and early estimates suggested he would miss the next six weeks.
However, after successful surgery, Barcelona have since confirmed that the striker will be ruled out for approximately four months.
"First team player Luis Suarez has been operated on this Sunday by Dr. Ramon Cugat, who used keyhole surgery to resolve an injury to the external meniscus of the right knee by performing a suture," a statement read on the club's official website.
"The Uruguayan striker will be out for approximately four months."
Suarez has been in rampant form of late having had a direct hand in a goal in nine of his last 10 competitive Barcelona appearances.
Luis Suarez: Last 10 Barcelona apps
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The Uruguayan is now sidelined for four months... pic.twitter.com/5AwdOWHPSK
Antoine Griezmann is now expected to replace Suarez as the lead striker for the Bluagrana between now and the end of the season.
The France international initially struggled to settle following his high profile switch from Atletico Madrid, but has scored seven and provided four assists for Barcelona in LaLiga this season.