But despite the news, Jones could not say if Fowler would be out for the rest of the season.

"I hope not," he said. "It's a long way to go, but there is a timescale because they had to do a micro-fracture to let the bone bleed and that's as far as my medical expertise goes.

"I would imagine if they had done something like that, it's a bit more serious than we were hoping."

Fowler, who was sent for surgery after an ankle injury last month ruled him out for two weeks, signed a one-year contract with Cardiff in July.

The Bluebirds do have an option for another year, and talks are expected to take place over the next few weeks over his future at Ninian Park.

"We'll sit down when the time's right and discuss it," said Jones.

"But at the moment it's not the right time because the most important thing is to get Robbie fit."