Patrick Bamford could potentially miss the rest of the season due to injury in a major blow to Everton's relegation rivals Leeds United.
The England international striker has had his campaign disrupted by a succession of issues and while he made a return to action recently, he was forced off in the first half in the team's clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Bamford was seen in tears on the bench after being substituted and while there was initial hope that he may be sidelined for the short term, the club have confirmed they expect a much longer layoff for the 28-year-old.
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"Following meetings with consultants earlier this week, we can confirm Patrick Bamford has ruptured his plantar fascia, which is an injury to the sole of the foot," said part of the club statement.
"On a positive note, Patrick will not require surgery. Whilst the recovery time for every athlete is different, it is expected that Patrick will be on the side-lines for a minimum of six weeks."
Phil Hay of The Athletic wrote on Twitter "might well be season over" for the Leeds centre-forward, who scored 17 goals and laid on seven assists in the Premier League this season. He only found the net on two occasions this term.
The news on Bamford will make Leeds fans even more thankful that they have won their last two matches, pulling them seven points clear of the relegation zone. They are in 16th on 29 points and four points ahead of Everton in 17th, albeit the Yorkshire outfit have played three games more.
Leeds could extend that advantage with a win over struggling Southampton at Elland Road on Saturday, with Everton heading to Champions League chasers West Ham United a day later.
