STERN John is facing up to six weeks on the sidelines - after confirmation the Crystal Palace new boy will need surgery on his damaged elbow on Monday.
The joint popped back into place when a flat pack was applied to his arm just before he was stretchered from the pitch.
But physio Nigel Cox has confirmed to the South London Press that John will have to have surgery - and says the experienced front man is "devasted" that he now faces time on the sidelines.
"We've had an MRI scan and we've been informed there is some ligament and muscle damage which needs repairing on Monday morning," said Cox.
"We're looking at around six weeks before he can return. We're devastated and the lad is devastated - he's been so keen to prove himself to Neil Warnock and the team since he's come here."