Bolton Wanderers midfielder Sean Davis is out for the season after knee surgery.
Davis, who was named on the bench for last weekend's draw with Stoke, has been struggling with a knee complaint and Bolton feared he may have to go under the knife.
The Trotters' worst fears have now been confirmed and the former Portsmouth midfielder has been forced to have an operation on his cruciate ligament.
It means Davis faces several months on the sidelines and it seems almost certain the 30-year-old will miss the remainder of the campaign.
The news is a massive blow for Bolton boss Gary Megson as he looks to end the club's poor run of form in the Premier League.