Dean Windass could miss the next six weeks of City's relegation scrap.

Windass, pictured, went under the knife today at the Yorkshire Clinic for a double hernia operation. It could rule him out of action until March.

Bryan Robson confirmed: "Dean's been having a niggling problem in his groin area and we saw the specialist.

"Dean's in the wars at the moment with a broken hand as well.

"But with Alun Armstrong being here for a month's loan we decided we may as well get Dean sorted out as well, although it means missing him for anything between four and six weeks."

Windass is a key figure in Robson's plans and the City boss admits his absence will be felt.

He added: "Even though he's only scored once since I've been here, Dean has probably had more chances than anyone else. His anticipation and timing in getting into the box is very good, and he's just been unfortunate he hasn't scored more goals.

"It's certainly an injury we could have done without."