On-loan Australian Chris Herd might not play again this season after damaging his knee ligaments playing for Wigan Athletic last night.

The Aston Villa man suffered the injury early in the second half against Reading as Wigan won their first game of the year to give their hopes of Championship survival a boost.

"Chris looks as though he has an issue with his medial ligament which could see him maybe needing surgery and missing the rest of the season," Wigan Today quotes Latics boss Malky Mackay as saying.

"It's another situation we're just going to have to deal with, but they seem to be coming thick and fast at the moment.

"He's been fantastic since he's been here, he has a huge character and his his performances have been excellent."

Herd was due to remain at Wigan for the remainder of the season, but he might now return to his parent club for treatment.