Walsall Head Coach Michael Flynn has confirmed that captain Joss Labadie has suffered a knee injury that is set to keep him out for nine months.
The 31-year-old was forced off during Saturday's 2-0 victory over Port Vale.
It comes as another blow as Saddlers forward Conor Wilkinson suffered a similar injury just a few weeks ago.
Flynn hopes Labadie and Wilkinson will come back stronger from their injuries but is frustrated to lose another key player for a long period of time.
"He's out for nine months, done his ACL," Flynn confirmed.
"I've seen Joss go down many times holding his knee, fearing the worst and then been clear, and this time I thought there was absolutely nothing wrong with it.
"It's crazy. I'm gutted for Joss as he's done it before – not the same leg, it's the different leg this time.
"It's another key player for me that is going to be missing for a long time.
"It's a kick in the teeth and again, it could affect what we're trying to do (in the summer) as there's two wages that are out of the equation.
"It's something I've got to be mindful of, but my first thoughts are with Joss and Conor, and that they have the best rehab they can.
"Hopefully, they'll be back stronger than before the injuries."