Sheffield United's Chris Basham has undergone two separate operations in London following a serious ankle injury during his side's match at Fulham last weekend.
The 35-year-old was starting his third top-flight game of the term for the newly-promoted Blades alongside Anel Ahmedhodzic and summer arrival Auston Trusty in a back three against Marco Silva's Cottagers.
With the scores level at 0-0 after 35 minutes, Basham attempted to swing a cross into the box from the right, however his left foot gave way, leading to a nasty-looking ankle break.
The centre-back was given lengthy treatment on the Craven Cottage turf - while being consoled by Fulham's Tim Ream - before being stretchered off and rushed to hospital.
Almost a week after the incident, Basham has posted on his Instagram account to provide an update to supporters on his situation following the serious injury.
"Had my two surgeries done now and I can't thank the surgeons enough for the fast response to me, the first surgery was for cleaning up the wound I suffered and dislocation, the second surgery was to repair the ligaments and to fit a plate on my bone where the fracture was," Basham said on his Instagram account on Thursday morning.
"I'm in a cast now and it feel a lot more comfortable. Will be in London still for another few days but then be going home to recover in the right way.
"Trying to stay positive everyday with great family and friends around me. Still overwhelmed by the support I have received thank you bash."
With Basham's return to action currently unknown, it is likely that Sheffield United will plan to be without their veteran defender for the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign.
Jack Robinson replaced Basham in the first half at Craven Cottage, and the Blades were unable to record their first Premier League win of the term in West London, losing 3-1 as Bobby Decordova-Reid and Willian both made the net ripple for the hosts.
United sit bottom of the top-flight standings after collecting a single point from their opening eight matches, meaning that they are three points behind fellow top-flight newcomers Luton Town in 17th.
Paul Heckingbottom's side are set to be without a number of their experienced defenders when the season resumes following October's international break, with John Egan and George Baldock both sidelined due to calf strains.
After comfortably finishing second in the Championship last season to gain promotion, the Blades have struggled to contain top-flight attacks so far this term, conceding 22 goals in eight matches, including eight in a single contest against Newcastle United.
Bramall Lane will welcome back supporters for the first time since that defeat against Eddie Howe's Magpies as Sheffield United host Manchester United in the Premier League on October 21.
