Bolton Wanderers midfielder Stuart Holden is facing six months on the sidelines with a knee injury.
Holden was stretchered off during the weekend defeat at Manchester United following a challenge from Jonny Evans that resulted in the Red Devils defender being sent off.
Wanderers boss Owen Coyle had been hoping the injury would not prove to be too serious, but he has now confirmed the United States international will be sidelined for the rest of the current campaign and the start of the next one.
Coyle told the club’s official website: “First and foremost our main concern is for Stuart and his recovery. He will get all the time and support that he needs.
“Stuart has been outstanding for me this season and he has shown in his performances that he is one of the best midfielders in the Barclays Premier League.
“He has such desire, strength of character and a winning mentality, and he will draw on those attributes in his rehabilitation.”
And Holden wrote on his Twitter account: “Just had a sincere phone call from Jonny Evans wishing me the best in my recovery, def (definitely) wasn't intentional, just unfortunate part of the game.”