Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane is likely to be out of action for two months because of an ankle injury, British newspapers reported today.
The Leeds United player is due to go into hospital on Monday for an operation to cure the problem.
Keane, 21, has not started a premier league game since the home match against Aston Villa at the end of November.
"Robbie has been complaining about a pain in his ankle for a couple of months," Leeds manager David O'Leary told the Sunnewspaper.
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"He thought he could shake it off but it's obvious now that something has to be done about it."
Keane faces a battle to regain his fitness and win back his place in the Leeds team ahead of next year's World Cup.