AFC Telford's Alan Moogan operation on PFA
AFC Telford United player-coach Alan Moogan is waiting for groin surgery after the Professional Footballers Association agreed to pay for his operation.
The midfielder has already missed seven games since the problem emerged, forcing his replacement at half-time in the 2-1 win at Gloucester on August 31.
Now the 29-year-old is facing up to couple more months out after he goes under the knife, which will have a huge effect on the Telford team and manager Liam Watson.
Moogan was meant to be an integral part of the team for the Skrill Conference North campaign, but will be absent for a large chunk of it.
Watson said: "Alan is having an operation that the PFA are funding. Hopefully, that will be in the next couple of weeks. After that, it will take him another six to eight weeks to fully recover.
"It's been a massive blow from the start to have lost him, considering he came into the club as one of our main players."
With Moogan out and Russell Benjamin suspended for three games - which has now been served -Mike Grogan arrived from Cammell Laird as cover.
Grogan impressed in two home league games against Colwyn Bay and Worcester City but had to sit out Saturday's FA Cup visit of Hednesford, as he was cup-tied.
Under his non-contract terms, any club interested in the 24-year-old holding midfielder can speak to the player after registering a seven-day transfer approach.
Despite that, Watson won't tie Grogan to a more permanent deal, particularly when the new-boy has previously stated he feels he has joined one of the biggest clubs in the league.
Watson said: "We have brought Mike in and all of the personnel at the club are happy with the terms they are on, so I don't see any need to change it.
"We missed Mike last weekend but I think we need Russell Benjamin back ,too, we need more legs in the team."
Defender-striker Mat Bailey may also be coming back into Watson's thoughts. Since joining Nantwich on non-contract forms, he's scored two in two games as a substitute for the Dabbers.
The towering 6ft 7in former Crewe man, 27, rehabilitated with the Bucks from a cruciate ligament injury over the summer and could yet be offered a deal.
