Sunderland today confirmed that midfielder Colin Healy broke his leg during last night's 1-1 draw at Coventry.
The 23-year-old Republic of Ireland international was stretchered off after a tackle by Youssef Safri 11 minutes from time, and x-rays have since confirmed his lower leg was fractured.
"We can confirm that Colin Healy has had x-rays and that he's suffered a fracture to his lower leg," said a club spokesman.
"He is comfortable in hospital in Coventry at the moment, and we're hoping he'll be transferred back to Sunderland for the fracture to be dealt with.
The news is a huge blow to manager Mick McCarthy, who was unhappy with the challenge. McCarthy said: "I have seen the tackle again and I have to say that it is a bad tackle. It was over the ball.
"I'm not saying it was malicious or intentional or anything like that. I'm not saying he meant to do it or he wanted to do it. But it was over the ball - he missed the ball and caught Colin's leg."
The injury came just days after Sunderland were told by FIFA that they would not have to pay Celtic compensation for Healy after recruiting during the summer.