Leeds boss Neil Warnock is facing the grim prospect of being without striker Ross McCormack for several weeks.

The Scotland international will undergo surgery on his injured ankle tomorrow but will then face a nervous wait after the operation before discovering the severity of the problem.

Warnock originally believed the former Cardiff striker would be out for six weeks after he was injured against the Bluebirds in United’s 2-1 defeat at the Cardiff City Stadium last Saturday.

Warnock said: "The surgeon has had another look at the scans and he is concerned.

"We thought it was a fragment of bone, but it could be a little bit bigger than we thought so the prognosis is it could be another four weeks or so but we won't know until he goes in and operates, and we'll know the decision then.

"The worst scenario could be the best part of Christmas which isn't good for us. He is a player you can't replace. We wish him all the best and hope he's back as quick as possible."

However, Leeds are hoping that fellow frontman Luciano Becchio and defender Adam Drury will be fit to face Nottingham Forest at Elland Road on Saturday.