Andriy Shevchenko will have a groin operation on Tuesday that rules the Chelsea striker out of the FA Cup final against Manchester United.
Shevchenko has missed Chelsea's last two matches with the problem and the London club have decided to go for the surgery now rather than wait until the end of the season as orginally planned.
The injury caps a miserable first season at Stamford Bridge for Shevchenko, who has failed to live up to his illustrious reputation since his 30 million pounds transfer from AC Milan last year.
A statement on Chelsea's website revealed the decision to operate on the Ukranian: "Andriy Shevchenko will have a groin hernia operation on Tuesday.
"The decision was taken by the Chelsea medical department to bring the operation forward. It had orginally been scheduled for the end of the season."