Wigan boss Roberto Martinez fears the worst about James McCarthy's ankle injury after the midfielder was carried off in the 1-1 draw with Bolton at the DW Stadium.
The 19-year-old was left writhing in agony following Fabrice Muamba's challenge midway through the first half and received lengthy treatment on the pitch before leaving on a stretcher.
McCarthy, who has played in all Wigan's Premier League games this season, was then taken to hospital, and player and manager must now wait for the results of an X-ray that will determine how long he will spend on the sidelines.
Martinez said: "He's gone to the hospital and we'll get the results over the next 24 hours but it doesn't look too good.
"It's a real shame because he's a very young man but he's very mature on the pitch and he's been performing in a very special manner."
Source: PA