Wigan Athletic midfielder Ben Watson suffered a double leg fracture last night, the club have confirmed.
The Latics midfielder went in for a 50-50 challenge with Barnsley's Martin Woods in the 15th minute before being stretchered off at the DW Stadium.
He has suffered a double fracture to the fibula and tibia bone in his right leg and will be out for a considerable period.
It is the same leg that he broke in November 2012 but not in the same place.
Manager Uwe Rosler told the club website: "I am sure he will return from this latest setback like he did a year ago when he went on to experience the high of scoring the winning goal in the FA Cup Final at Wembley, and write himself into the heart of every Wigan Athletic supporter.
"To lose a player and a person of Ben's quality is a big blow to us but we will re-group and move on as a squad and keep trying to achieve our goals for the season, with the added incentive now of doing it for Ben."
Watson has been one of the ever-presents for Wigan this season and recently scored the winning goal against Cardiff City to help Wigan into the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Pascal Lemesre
