Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby has a sports hernia and is contemplating his treatment options, including surgery that could sideline him for four to six weeks, according to The Athletic’s Rob Rossi.

Rossi reports that Crosby aggravated the injury during the Penguins’ 3-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks last Saturday, but has been dealing with it since training camp.

He left the game in the third period and did not return with what the team called a “lower-body injury.”

Crosby, according to Rossi, chose not to undergo surgery last month as the Penguins were beset by injuries, including to fellow star centre Evgeni Malkin.

He is reportedly now considering whether he should have the operation, which would typically require four to six weeks of recovery.

There is also the option of steroid injection and physical therapy, which could allow him to put off the procedure until the off-season. But that comes with the potential pitfall of reinjury.

Rossi said Crosby met with a specialist in Philadelphia, and the Penguins would prefer he undergo the procedure sooner rather than later.

Crosby has 17 points in 17 games this season.