Head coach Gavin Hunt has confirmed every SuperSport United supporter's worst nightmare, the long-term absence of leading striker Bradley Grobler.
The Tshwane side are set to start their Betway Premiership season without their talisman, who was substituted early in the MTN8 quarterfinal against Orlando Pirates in August due to a knock he had suffered.
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He is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines and will take no further part in the team until next year.
This will be cause for worry for Hunt, whose side is a little thin on experience up front, as they are set to face rivals Mamelodi Sundowns in the opening fixture of the league season on Tuesday 17 September.
"He had an operation on his groin. It will take time to get him back to the team," confirmed Hunt during the Betway Premiership launch last week.
It has been whispered to this publication that this is likely the former Platinum Stars man's last season after a decent career where he has scored goals in bucketloads.
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As it is, the 36-year-old has netted 112 PSL and is chasing the record set by Siyabonga Nomvethe, who racked up 123 goals.
Judging by the 11 he scored last season, the veteran centre-forward will back himself to get as close as possible but will need to be back on the pitch sooner rather than later.