Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere will require surgery on a hairline fracture of his left leg and is expected to be out for up to three months.
The 23-year-old England international broke a fibula in August but was expected to return to training following September’s international break.
The club has said he needs to have a plate inserted in his leg.
“Jack’s scans show that the healing process is not progressing as well as expected,” a club statement mentioned.
“He is likely to be out for approximately three months.”
The 23-year-old’s career has been marred by various injuries. He underwent two operations last season after injuring his left ankle against Manchester United in November 2014.
After that, he returned to play in Arsenal’s FA Cup final win over Aston Villa in May.
Wilshere also featured in England’s June internationals, netting twice in the 3-2 European Championship qualifier victory over Slovenia.
His career has been plagued with ankle problems since he first sustained a stress fracture during pre-season in 2011, which left him sidelined for 15 months.