Birmingham City have been dealt a blow with the news that striker Garry O'Connor requires hip surgery.
The Scotland international has made just six starts this season, the last of which was in the 2-1 defeat to Burnley in early October.
The club have confirmed that the 26-year-old striker requires an operation on a hip injury that could see him sidelined for several months.
It leaves Blues short of attacking options as back-up to the current front two of Cameron Jerome and Christian Benitez.
disappointing news
Manager Alex McLeish confirmed: "We have received some disappointing news about Garry. He is likely to need an operation on his hip. It could keep him out for several months and leaves our striking options light."
On-loan midfielder Teemu Tainio is also facing a spell out with a knee problem which could require surgery. The Sunderland player has made only five starts for the Blues.
McLeish admitted: "Teemu is another player who may need surgery as his knee problem has flared up again. We knew he had a bit of a problematic knee before he came here but we were hoping he would be able to stand up to it. He is going to be out for the immediate future."
The news comes just a week after McLeish revealed that defender David Murphy suffered a setback in his quest to recover from a knee injury, and could also require an operation. Click here to read the story in full.
