Hull City have confirmed that Nikica Jelavic is set to spend six weeks on the sidelines.
The Croatian striker underwent surgery on a 'persistent and long-standing' knee injury earlier this week and is expected to miss the remainder of the Premier League campaign.
A statement on Hull's official website read: "The Club's medical staff had hoped to manage Jelavic's knee through until the end of the season, however following the Leicester game it was decided surgery should take place as soon as possible to prevent further damage and complications in the future."
Jelavic's news is a huge blow to Steve Bruce's Tigers who currently sit in 15th position, just three points above the drop zone, with nine fixtures left in the campaign.
