Dundee United defender Mihael Kovacevic is facing several months on the sidelines after injuring his knee in a holiday training accident.
The Swiss-born right-back of Croatian descent was an integral cog in the United side last season as they secured third place in the SPL and clinched the Scottish Cup.
Now, boss Peter Houston fears the defensive lynchpin will miss a large chunk of next season.
He said, “Details are a bit sketchy at the moment but Mihael has been spending his time off back home in Croatia and Switzerland.
“Despite the fact he is on holiday, he was trying to keep himself fit by doing some running and unfortunately, he has hurt his knee.
“We fear he has ruptured his anterior cruciate, which would be a massive disappointment.”
He added, “I am hoping to speak to him soon but in the meantime, he has had the knee scanned and the results have been sent to our club doctor to be assessed.
“If our worst fears are confirmed, then she will decide whether he should have an op here or in Switzerland.”
Houston said, “I am devastated for Mihael, especially for something like this to happen when he was just trying to keep himself in good nick while on his break.
“It looks like he will be out for several months but luckily I have the options of Sean Dillon and Keith Watson for the right-back position.”
Kovacevic can also play in the centre of defence, an area that is in need of strengthening.
Loan signing Andy Webster has returned to Rangers, while fellow centre-half Darren Dods has just undergone a knee operation and Garry Kenneth is the subject of intense transfer speculation.
Houston admitted the loss of Kovacevic will accelerate his plans to bring in new defenders for next season.
He said, “Darren Dods has started his rehabilitation after his cartilage op.
“However, I have made inquiries about one centre-back and a left-back and I hope to have some news soon.”
Houston is also looking to firm up details of the rest of United’s pre-season matches in the next 48 hours.