Paddy McCarthy could be back in action next week and in contention for Crystal Palace's away game at Coventry City.
The Irishman fell awkwardly in training two weeks ago and dislodged the pins inserted into his shoulder last season after he dislocated the joint three times.
Although he will need another operation to fix the problem, the Eagles are hoping McCarthy can play on until the summer.
Manager Neil Warnock said: "He might play in another week.
"It might happen again and he will have to have an operation but hopefully that can wait until the summer."
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