Newcastle playmaker Siem de Jong has undergone surgery for a collapsed lung and will be out for eight weeks in the latest setback for the Netherlands international.
The Premier League club reported on Tuesday that it is similar to a complaint De Jong had in 2013 while he was playing for Dutch side Ajax.
De Jong joined Newcastle for 6 million pounds over the summer from Ajax, but he has been out since September because of a right thigh injury.
He had been set to return against Crystal Palace on Wednesday evening before the surgery.
The Dutch international told Newcastle's official website: "After four months of hard work getting back to full fitness it is such bad luck to suffer another setback.
"We are all hopeful that the surgery I have had will ensure I don't have any repeat of the condition in the future.
"It's very sad for me personally, especially since I was almost back in contention and feeling great. I'm sorry for my teammates, the Club and our fans that I'm not able to help the team for a little while longer.
"I am determined to come back stronger as soon as possible. Thank you to everyone for your support."
Information from Press Association and The Associated Press was used in this report.