Preston North End boss Simon Grayson has confirmed that Joe Garner is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines and that Callum Robinson has been recalled by Aston Villa.
Garner went off at half-time during Saturday's 1-0 win at League 1 leaders Bristol City, with loan signing Robinson getting the crucial goal.Grayson has admitted he is looking to bring in fresh reinforcements after losing his 12-goal top scorer and seeing Robinson return to his parent club.
"Joe's had a scan and he's suffered a tendon injury with his knee and he's going to be out for three to four months, but there's no time span on it because it's such a freak injury," the manager told the club's official website.
"We accept that the loan player can go back, Callum's been outstanding for us. He's gutted but he's an Aston Villa player and we're grateful to Villa for allowing us to have him on loan.
"For the next 48 hours I'm going to be very busy; we're working hard behind the scenes so we'll just have to see where we go with it."