Wigan Athletic have been dealt a major blow with news that Ben Watson has suffered a double leg fracture.
The 28-year old midfielder sustained the serious injury when involved in an accidental collision with Martin Woods in Tuesday night's 2-0 win over Barnsley in the Championship.
The Latics have confirmed that Watson, who scored the winning goal in last season's FA Cup triumph over Manchester City, will undergo surgery on his right leg and is expected to miss the remainder of the season.
"Until everything was confirmed, we did not want to go on the record but we have now had time to make a good assessment," Wigan boss Uwe told the club's official website.
"Ben will receive the best possible treatment and we will do everything to help him make a speedy recovery.
"He is a terrific professional, a fighter, and 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."
