Deco has been troubled by the injury for the last two months and was substituted in the first-half against City.

The Portugal midfielder was making his first start since the 3-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester United in January.

Now Hiddink says it is very doubtful that Deco will return before the end of the season.

"He was fit and worked hard, but after 20 or 25 minutes he had this problem again, so he will be out again for a while," said Hiddink.

"I think Deco will not be recovered very shortly. He'll have to be very fit to come back this season. I have my doubts to be honest, but let's see what happens."