CARDIFF have been rocked by the news that Wales international Aaron Ramsey will be out for at least two months.
The former Arsenal, Juventus and Nice midfielder, 32, injured his knee in training last month and was sent for scans to determine the extent of the damage.
Bluebirds boss Erol Bulut warned Cardiff fans to expect bad news and has now confirmed that Ramsey – who has scored three goals in six games this term – is unlikely to return before Christmas.
“Hopefully without surgery, he will be out at least eight to ten weeks,” said Bulut, whose side began the weekend seventh in the Championship after a run of four wins from five matches.
“If he does get surgery, it will be up to 12 weeks. And if something happens in these weeks, it will add another 12 weeks
“You could see, when he was on the field, he was great. He linked the game and we will miss him. But also, we have to manage with the players we have to continue to get wins.”
Ramsey’s absence is also bad news for Wales, who face unbeaten Group D leaders Croatia in a crucial European Championship qualifier in Cardiff next weekend. The Dragons then round off their qualifying campaign against Armenia and Turkey next month.
Manager Rob Page backed Ramsey’s decision to forgo surgery and said he is hopeful that the 84-cap skipper would be back soon.
“I have had injuries in my career and I think if there is an option to heal naturally I would always personally take that,” said Page. “I’m sure age played a factor as well.
“We are confident we will get him back for the November camp, but of course we don’t know.
“We will have to wait and see.”