Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer faces up to six weeks on the sidelines with a spinal injury.
The Australian international sustained the injury during Saturday's 2-0 defeat by Swansea City and saw a specialist consultant last night.
The goalkeeper has been disheartened by the injury, stating on Twitter: "Thanks for your well wishes, I'm devastated to be out for 4-6 weeks. After speaking to the specialist, it was very clear I needed a rest."
Schwarzer has now been diagnosed with a compression injury to his thoracic spine and will be unavailable for between four and six weeks. The injury has ruled Schwarzer out of this evening's vital UEFA Europa League Group K clash with Odense at Craven Cottage.
The 39-year-old was expected to be replaced by Philippines international Neil Etheridge, making his first-team debut aged 21. Etheridge began his career with SW6 rivals Chelsea and penned a contract extension with Fulham until 2013 in the summer.
In addition to Etheridge stepping in, Fulham manager Martin Jol has invoked a loan agreement clause that sees England squad member David Stockdale return from Ipswich.
