Southampton striker Dom Ballard, who is out on loan at Reading, was stretchered off in their victory over Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday afternoon.
He came off in the first half, going down holding his leg, and was ultimately stretchered off the pitch as he could not continue.
Reading would go on to score a minute later, and would end up winning 2-1 at Adams Park, claiming their first away league win in over a year.
Reading manager confirms injury for Saints loanee
Speaking in his post-match press conference, as relayed by journalist Andy Preston in a post on his X account (formerly known as Twitter), Royals manager Ruben Sellés said it is looking likely that Ballard’s injury could be long-term.
“It’s too early for us (to tell). It doesn’t look well for us. Dom went to the hospital. We need to wait for the final diagnosis but it looks like he will be a long time away from us.”
Bad news for Ballard
Initially, the plan was for Dom Ballard to stay at Southampton this season and try to become a regular inclusion in the first-team squad.
Russell Martin is said to have been impressed by what he has seen of the youngster and was keen to have him learn from being around the senior side this season, but when Reading offered to take the striker on loan for the season it was too good a development opportunity to turn down.
The Berkshire club were relegated to League One last season and the location of the club – only around 48 miles from Southampton – was likely a factor in the decision to allow Ballard to make the move.
The main reason the loan was so attractive, though, is that Sellés is manager of the club and knows all about Ballard from his time as coach and then manager at Southampton.
It did not work out for Sellés in his first spell as a manager at Southampton last season, but his relationship with the club was undoubtedly a massive factor in allowing Ballard to make the temporary switch.
Ballard has made ten appearances in League One so far this season, scoring three goals. He has become a regular starter for the struggling side, so this injury will come as a massive blow for all involved.