Bordeaux midfielder Fernando looks set to miss the rest of with a fractured cheekbone, the club have confirmed.
The Brazilian sustained the injury in his side's 2-1 defeat at home to Nancy on Saturday and will now definitely miss Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final against Lyon.
Les Girondins currently trail their French rivals 3-1 from the first leg of the tie and by a point in the race for the Ligue 1 title.
The 28-year-old has been a virtual ever-present in the side so far this season, but coach Laurent Blanc will have to find a replacement for the former Brazil international.
"I think Fernando's season is probably over," said Blance.
Fernando could be in contention to make a return by the end of the season, but despite winning eight caps for his country, does not appear to be in any favour to travel with the national side out to South Africa for this summer's World Cup.
