Petrov has been struggling with a knee injury since October 5th.
Hughes said: “Martin is going to see a surgeon on Monday and he will probably stay and have an operation.
“If that is the case he will probably be out for three to four months. That would be a blow for us as he gives us more options.
“Unfortunately it is a frustration for us as it happened on international duty. That makes it a bit more difficult to take.
“Martin had a good pre-season and last year he was one of our outstanding performers.
“But at the moment it looks as though he will have to go in for an operation.”
