Plymouth Argyle’s highly-rated forward Morgan Whittaker will miss the rest of the year after a foot injury.
Last season’s top scorer limped off in the second half of last month’s 2-2 draw with Luton Town.
The 23-year-old was named in last season’s Championship team of the season and was the subject of a bid from Italian giants Lazio last January.
He is the latest Argyle player to be ruled out until 2025, joining the likes of Muhamed Tijani, Ibrahim Cissoko and Joe Edwards on the sidelines.
However, Argyle boss Wayne Rooney has been boosted by news that Northern Ireland goalkeeper Conor Hazard is available after recovering from an ankle injury that had kept him out since early September, while defender Brendan Galloway could also return.
“The important thing come January is we get those players back fit; really, that’ll be like new signings in my opinion because they’re key players,” Rooney said.
“Then on top of that, if we can bring players in, we will do.”
