Josh Addo-Carr will miss the first three rounds of the NRL season after the Parramatta flyer underwent surgery on his thumb.
Addo-Carr posted an image of himself wearing a hospital gown on Monday, with significant bandaging around his left hand and thumb, after going under the knife.
Parramatta later confirmed they expected to have their flyer back for round four against arch-rivals Penrith.
It means the 30-year-old is expected to miss Parramatta's blockbuster opening to the season against Melbourne and Brisbane, before another clash with St George Illawarra.
Addo-Carr damaged his thumb in Saturday night's 28-22 win over the Sydney Roosters in Gosford, and was spotted icing it after the match.
The 30-year-old's absence shapes as a serious blow to the Eels, given fellow winger Zac Lomax's dramatic exit from the club at the end of last season.
Bailey Simonsson played on the wing in last weekend's trial, while Sean Russell could be shifted from centre to wing to replace Addo-Carr.
Jordan Samrani impressed against the Roosters and could come into the centres, as could Brian Kelly after his move from Gold Coast.
