Midfielder Imran Louza faces months out of action with a fractured fibula and ankle ligament damage.

The Moroccan international will also miss the upcoming World Cup as a result of the injury sustained 15 minutes into the game at Millwall on Wednesday night.

“Imran is unfortunately going to be out for a long time,” explained head coach Slaven Bilic.

“We are waiting for a second opinion, but he’s going to be out for a few months.

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“He has broken the fibula bone, but that injury doesn’t have to a big one because that can be a few weeks. It’s because the ligament is also damaged, and when that is damaged it requires longer.

“It is a big blow for us and a big blow for the player. He is a player that is impossible to replace. He’s unique. We don’t have that kind of replacement but we’ll have to change the way we play and try to be positive.

“Imran will be back. If he recovers well, which he will because he is a strong character, he will be back for the crucial part of the season.”

One player who looks set to return is defender Craig Cathcart who captained the team on his return from injury in the win over Norwich on Saturday, but sat out the game at Millwall as a precaution.

“Cathcart I hope, and I expect, will be fit for Sunday,” said Bilic.

“He gave a massive effort against Norwich after coming back from injury. The way he led the team was impressive.

“But we knew before the game that it would be very hard for him to play three games in seven days. He’s training and recovering, and he has told me that he has a big chance of playing on Sunday.

“Sierralta and Kabasele are still out, Hause is also out but may start training with us tomorrow.

“At the moment we are hopeful with Craig, and then we have Troost-Ekong and Pollock.”

Only last week Bilic said the club would probably not look at the free agent market until after the World Cup, but a long-term injury to a key player means there may be a rethink

“We have to find a balance,” he said. “We have a need but it’s not easy to find Imran Louza on a free. Normally players of his calibre have a contract, and they cost money.

“We have our scouting department and they are trying to find solutions. Maybe we are going to do something but we’re not going to do it just for the sake of it. We need somebody good.

“Some players you can find replacements for from within your squad and you can rotate. Like we did with the right back situation: Gosling can do that job and we have had very good, steady performances from him.

“But with players like Louza it’s just not possible to do that.”