Malaga's Brazilian striker Julio Baptista underwent surgery on his right foot on Wednesday and will be out for up to "six to eight weeks", the Spanish club said.
Baptista picked up the injury in August and, having struggled for fitness for three months, eventually decided on surgery.
"The Brazilian had a successful operation on his right foot this morning to remove a fragment of bone. Julio Baptista will be out for between six to eight weeks," said a club statement.
Malaga are currently in sixth place in the La Liga, 14 points behind leaders Real Madrid, but are just three points off fourth spot, the final qualifying place for next season's Champions League.
Source: AFP
