Zat Knight is expected to be on the sidelines for four to six weeks due to a knee ligament injury.
The defender picked up the ailment during Sunday’s win at football club Everton when making a last-ditch tackle on Victor Anichebe.
He was carried off on a stretcher and although boss Owen Coyle has admitted it could have been worse, he also feels that the loss is a huge blow for the Trotters.
Coyle said: “Zat suffered ligament damage. It’s not as severe as we first thought but certainly bad enough to keep him out for a period of time. There’s severe swelling in the area so I think we’ll know better in seven to 10 days when that goes down.
“But I think it’s fair to say he’ll be four to six weeks, which is a terrible loss, first and foremost for Zat, because he’s played every game for me since I came to the football club over a year ago.
“He’s been outstanding as a player and as a man and the sooner we get him back the better. It is a blow, there’s no doubt about it, and we wish him a speedy recovery.”
One man’s loss is another man’s gain though, as new signing David Wheater is waiting in the wings. He will be hoping to form a similarly impressive partnership with Gary Cahill in the heart of defence.
Coyle admits that Knight’s injury has opened the door for the former Middlesbrough centre-back as he can now enjoy an extended run in the side.
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