Manager David Moyes is unlikely to see Arthur Masuaku back in fist team contention until mid April.
The left sided midfielder took the decision to undergo surgery in early December after appearing in the 1-3 defeat by Manchester United at the London Stadium.
The player has been suffering from a long standing knee injury and even missed African Nations Cup action as he attempted to put the Irons first .
But eventually he decided that surgery was required and although he is now in rehab he is about a month away plus a little bit from becoming part of the matchday squad.
It means he could be back for up to seven key fixtures in a European qualification season during the last two months of the season.
His first involvement with the squad could come against Leicester City at the London Stadium on April 10 with games games at Newcastle and to Chelsea to follow.
Arthur was playing so well before he went under the knife. his return presents a beautiful headache for David Moyes. does he bring Arthur back in or does he not tinker with a side that has been doing an excellent job without him. happy days!