Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer will miss Middlesbrough's bid for European glory after undergoing surgery to repair his fractured cheekbone.
However, the 33-year-old should be fit to take his place in the Australia squad for this summer's World Cup finals.
Schwarzer was due to have an operation to repair the damage this afternoon following his clash with West Ham striker Dean Ashton during yesterday's 1-0 FA Cup semi-final defeat at Villa Park.
He could be back in light training wearing a protective mask within a fortnight, but he will be unable to play again for around a month.
Head physio Grant Downie told the club's website: "Mark is likely to miss the rest of Middlesbrough's season, but should be okay for the World Cup."
The injury will rule Schwarzer out of Thursday night's UEFA Cup semi-final, second leg clash with Steaua Bucharest at the Riverside Stadium.
Had it not been for his performance in Romania last week, the Teessiders could have been facing a 3-0 rather than 1-0 deficit going into arguably the most important 90 minutes of the season.
With the final taking place on May 10 in Eindhoven, he would be unlikely to be available should they progress.
