Adam Forshaw has been dealt another injury setback with the news that he's set to face surgery.
The midfielder has been a long-term absentee for Leeds United having not featured since the end of September.
His last involvement for Marcelo Bielsa's side was in the 1-0 defeat against Charlton Athletic however it seems that he won't return until pre-season at the earliest.
A statement on the club website said: "Following discussions with various experts, the decision has been made to send Adam Forshaw to the US to visit the Steadman Clinic in Colorado for hip surgery.
"Adam will work with surgeon Dr Marc Philippon, known for performing joint preservation techniques utilising arthroscopic hip surgery to treat painful joint injury in high-level athletes who constantly use powerful hip rotation.
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"Knowing that surgery was likely to end his season, Forshaw and the medical team at Leeds United have explored every possible alternative action to try and get the influential midfielder back to fitness to help his team mates as we approach the final stage of the campaign.
"Unfortunately all parties have now decided the time has come for Adam to go under the knife to allow him to return in time for pre-season."
Of course this news will have a big impact on Marcelo Bielsa and the rest of the Leeds United squad.
Here are three potential knock-on effects that the announcement could have.
A lack of midfield options for Marcelo Bielsa
Adam Forshaw's continued absence is certainly a big blow given the lack of options available for the Leeds United boss.
We saw how the Whites struggled when Kalvin Phillips was suspended and that just shows how much Marcelo Bielsa relies on the likes of the 24-year-old and Mateusz Klich.
The hope will surely be that Leeds don't suffer any more injuries to key players or else it could take the wind firmly out of their sails.
An opportunity for academy players
While senior options are limited in midfield, there's no shortage of academy players who will be hoping to step up.
Several young players have stepped up during Marcelo Bielsa's reign and with Adam Forshaw set for an extended stay on the sidelines it could tee up a chance for players such as Robbie Gotts.
Whether the Leeds boss will trust these players to feature on a regular basis remains to be seen, but it's something for him to consider.
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A question over Adam Forshaw's long-term future
It's been a frustrating time for Adam Forshaw, and it might just be the beginning of the end for the midfielder.
Leeds United have aspirations of securing promotion to the Premier League, meaning that the squad could face a radical overhaul over the summer months.
Forshaw has barely featured and so the chances of him proving himself as a reliable first team member for Marcelo Bielsa is slim, meaning that his Leeds days could be numbered.