Saddlers winger Maz Kouhyar is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in training.
The 21-year-old, who had only just returned to the club after spending time away with Afghanistan, will have a knee operation before undergoing an extensive rehabilitation programme.
“Maz got back from international duty last week and the next day suffered a non-contact injury to his right knee,” said physio Marc Czuczman.
“He planted his foot at speed to change direction and his knee flexed. He felt a sharp pain and collapsed straight away.
“We got him checked straight away and it was confirmed he had ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament. He may have also torn the medial and lateral meniscus.
“No two injuries are the same but we will follow the same path we did with Joe Edwards. We have booked Maz in with the same surgeon.
“Maz is being as positive as he can be. He understands football and knows an injury can happen at any time.
“Maz is one of those people who always wants to do more. He is a worker.
“He is not someone who I am going to have to motivate, he is one I will have to put the reins on to protect him from doing too much. That’s exactly what you want.
“He will do everything he can to get fit again.”