Marseille midfielder Abou Diaby is expected to be sidelined for four months after undergoing an operation on his problematic right ankle.
Diaby, 30, has endured an injury-plagued career since his ankle was broken in a challenge by Sunderland's Dan Smith in May 2006 during his first season at Arsenal.
The former France international signed for Marseille in 2015 after leaving the Gunners, but made only three Ligue 1 appearances last term and has featured just twice in the league this season before requiring surgery.
"For several weeks, midfielder Abou Diaby has been suffering with a right ankle problem. Given the persistence of the pain and that it was impossible for him to train, the medical staff decided surgery was necessary," a statement on the French club's official website read.
The statement also said that Diaby had undergone surgery to "stabilise the ligaments in his ankle" in London last Thursday by the doctor who has "followed his case from the start."
"Olympique de Marseille wishes Abou a speedy recovery and hopes to see him back on the pitch as soon as possible," the statement added.