Bolton Wanderers defender David Wheater is expected to be out for nine months after being diagnosed with a knee ligament injury.
The 25-year-old suffered the injury after an innocuous-looking incident during the Trotters' 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.
A club statement confirmed: "Scans have revealed that David Wheater has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
"The defender picked up the injury when he landed awkwardly during yesterday's home game against West Bromwich Albion.
"He is expected to be out of action for up to nine months."
Bolton are 18th in the Premier League table with one game remaining and failure to win at Stoke City on Sunday would consign them to relegation.
