Sevilla defender and vice-captain Nico Pareja is set to miss up to month of action as he undergoes pelvic surgery on Thursday.
The 33-year-old has carried the ongoing problem since February but reports say it has become more troublesome since September and now requires an operation.
The Argentine defender, who has started six matches this term including all four in the Champions League, will undergo the operation on Thursday in Barcelona.
The former Valencia and Spartak Moscow defender is set to miss away trips to Valencia and Athletic Bilbao alongside both Champions League clashes with his former Russian club.
Pareja joins fellow captain and experienced defender Daniel Carrico on the sidelines for Los Rojiblancos, who currently sit second in La Liga.
