Wales midfielder Shaun MacDonald is unlikely to play again this year after suffering an horrific double fracture of his left leg.
The Wigan player – who has been part of Chris Coleman’s squad for World Cup qualifiers this season – was injured in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Reading which sent Wigan down to League One.
MacDonald was hurt in a tackle with Reading’s George Evans – for which the Royals players was booked – and had to be given gas before being rushed to hospital.
It was later confirmed that the 28-year-old had broken both the fibula and tibia.
Wigan interim manager Graham Barrow attached no blame to Evans, but suggested MacDonald faces a long road to recovery.
Barrow said: “Shaun has broken his leg, but I didn’t think there was a lot in the challenge. I wouldn’t lay any blame on the lad. I know the lad Evans and I’ve never seen that in his game.
“The bone did break the skin and the medical worry is infection.
“It’s the third time in my career I’ve heard that crack. It echoes around the stadium. I knew straight away.
“It’s a big blow to us and to Shaun. You are probably looking at Christmas before he will be back playing.”
The game – which confirmed Reading’s place in the Championship play-offs – was held up for 10 minutes as treatment was given to McDonald before he was taken to hospital.
Referee Tim Robinson showed Evans a yellow card after the players contested a 50-50 ball in a block tackle near the halfway line.
Reading boss Jaap Stam also insisted Evans should be blamed for the injury, which he insisted was an accident.
Stam said: “George is not the type of player who would do that on purpose. He would never do that.
“He is a great lad, great professional, very good mentality and he never kicks somebody on purpose like that.
“He mis-controlled the ball and there was a clash. It looked serious and I feel very sorry for the player.
“But there was no intent to injure and I had to tell George to keep going as it can affect certain players.”
