Newcastle United confirmed that Hatem Ben Arfa almost had broken his leg following a tackle involving Manchester City's Nigel de Jong.
The 23-year old Marseille loanee was brought down by the Dutch midfielder in the Magpies' 2-1 loss and had to be taken from the field, leaving Hughton furious at the challenge.
"It does not look good," said Hughton. "He has gone to hospital and we will make an announcement in due course, but it looks like he has broken his leg.
"Everyone will have their own opinion, but it was a tackle that did not need to be made.
"When something like that happens and then to have some incredible decisions go against us it's hard to take."
A club statement has since confirmed the injury: "X-rays taken this afternoon have confirmed that he has suffered a broken tibia and fibula of his left leg.
"He will undergo surgery tomorrow morning.
"Everyone connected with the club sends Hatem their best wishes for a speedy recovery.
"At this stage no time limit has been put on his expected return date."
