Derby County’s on-loan Manchester United striker James Wilson is set for a lengthy spell out of action after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament knee injury.
Wilson, 20, was injured in training with the Rams earlier this week and subsequently returned to his parent club to undergo tests on his knee to learn the severity of the damage.
The England Under 21 international is due to undergo surgery in the coming days to begin his rehabilitation programme.
Wilson joined Derby on a season-long loan deal from the Premier League giants in August and, prior to being sidelined, had made three starts and a further appearance off the bench.
He also started and scored in Derby’s 2-2 draw at Doncaster Rovers in the Checkatrade Trophy earlier this month.
Manager Steve McClaren said: “It’s incredibly disappointing news that James has suffered an injury like this.
“Only last week I was saying how much I was looking forward to working with him because he is an exciting young talent.
“I know that he will bounce back from this disappointment, especially as well as being a very good player he is also a strong and determined character.”