Midfielder Gary Liddle is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines as a result of a bad challenge in last weekend’s encounter between Notts County and Bristol City.
Liddle was withdrawn from the action with a nasty looking ankle injury and scan results have shown ligament damage, which may require surgery.
First team manager Shaun Derry is disappointed to lose one of his squad’s key players but knows last season’s Player of the Year can bounce back.
He said: “It’s not very good news regarding Gary and unfortunately the results have come back and it looks like he’ll be missing the vast majority of the remainder of the season.
“The circumstances are now that we’re losing not just an influential player but a character around the football club.
“He’s been brilliant, not just on the pitch but off the pitch he’s been great for me in and around the dressing room.
“His professionalism is second to none but sadly for Gary he’s going to have to come to terms with this injury – and he will.
“He’ll get himself back fitter and stronger and better, because he’s a big player for Notts County and he’ll be right behind the lads regardless.”
The manager also revealed that he hopes to have striker Callum Ball by the weekend but no risks will be taken with his head injury.