Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Andrew Crofts is likely to miss the remainder of the season having suffered a serious knee injury in last weekend's match against Watford.
The 30-year-old, who suffered a partial tear of his anterior cruciate ligament and a tear to the meniscus in the 1-1 draw at Vicarage Road, underwent successful surgery to rectify the issue on Wednesday.
Crofts is now recovering in hospital, and Seagulls manager Sami Hyypia admits that he is "devastated" by the blow, which comes just two months after the Wales international returned from a previous long-term injury.
"He is an important member of our squad and worked incredibly hard to get back to full fitness after last season's knee injury," he told the club's official website. "We are all gutted for Crofty.
"Crofty is a very strong character and he will continue to receive the best possible care and treatment from our medical staff throughout his rehabilitation. In the meantime, everyone at the club wishes Crofty well for a full and speedy recovery."
Crofts has made eight appearances for Brighton this season.
Daniel Lewis
