The Socceroos captain injured his shoulder in last week’s victory over Ipswich having just returned from an issue with his groin.

Jedinak had been in blistering form the national side after scoring all three goals against Honduras and helping Australia to the World Cup.

But the 33-year-old will be out of action for some time with an at best result of a Christmas return.

However, Bruce admitted Jedinak’s sideline stint could be much longer.

“We hope that he doesn’t need the operation and that it repairs itself,” Bruce told the BBC.

“We thought it would be an operation but he has obviously damaged the joint and we will have to wait and let nature take its course.

“He should be back at Christmas but if it doesn’t go well and he needs an operation, then we are talking two to three months.”