Crewe Alexandra striker Max Clayton faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after a scan revealed that he had broken his ankle.
The League One outfit had hoped that Clayton had suffered ligament damage after being stretchered off during the club's 2-0 FA Cup defeat to Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday evening.
However, after tests revealed that the injury was more severe than first feared, the 19-year-old has undergone an operation, which could keep him out for the rest of the season.
Clayton has scored twice in 18 appearances for Crewe during this campaign, who are currently sitting in 22nd position in the league table.
