Federico Macheda has been ruled out for up to 10 weeks following back surgery
The former Manchester United frontman has played less than 10 minutes of first-team football this season.
And manager Russell Slade says the Italian's stint on the sidelines is likely to stretch into November.
The operation went well which is naturally very pleasing
Russell Slade
He said: "The operation went well which is naturally very pleasing. He's working very hard to get back to fitness now, but, of course, this is a set-back for him.
"It's done now and he will be working to get back sooner rather than later. Right now we believe he is looking at eight to ten weeks before he is ready again."
Macheda has scored eight goals in 26 appearances since joining the Bluebirds on a free transfer last summer.
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