Swansea City boss Michael Laudrup has revealed that striker Michu may need an operation at some point during the season.
The Spaniard has been struggling with ankle and foot injuries during the campaign and as a result has failed to find the form he had last season.
"He will need an operation at some stage," Laudrup told reporters. "In the best case, it could be when he finishes his career. It could be at the end of the season, but it could be now.
"He has been struggling with his ankle as well as his knee. The professional he is, he wanted to play but in a lot of games he could not give 100%.
"He is a very important player for us but if you are playing at 80% then it is very frustrating and the performance is not what you wanted. It's been very frustrating for him."
The 27-year-old has scored six goals in 20 appearances for the Swans in all competitions this season.