Port Vale striker Hector Sam could be out for up to three months after it was confirmed he broke his leg in Tuesday's Carling Cup defeat at Rotherham. The Trinidad and Tobago international is still awaiting confirmation of how long he will be sidelined, but it looks certain he will miss the next two months at least.
Vale manager Martin Foyle bemoaned Sam's luck after only just getting back to match fitness following an injury in pre-season.
The latest blow leaves Foyle short on attacking options, with Lee Matthews still not considered ready to start a match.
The Vale boss said: "He's definitely got a crack in the bone, but it's hard to guess how long he'll be out. We should have more of an idea when it's looked over again.
"But we are looking like eight weeks plus.
"It's a massive blow for him and me because he did well in pre-season, but got an injury at the wrong time. Then he gets back to a position where he's pushing for a place in the team and this happens."
Foyle spent yesterday trying to secure some loan signings before the weekend, but as yet has been rebuffed in his approaches.
But he revealed he has received the backing of the board to strengthen his squad after injuries this week to Sam Collins, Mark Innes, George Abbey and Mickey Bell.
Foyle said: "I've got no problem with the board, it's getting people who want to come and play that's difficult. I've got players in mind, but it's a bank holiday and clubs don't want to let them go.
"A lot of clubs have got small squads this season."