Cheltenham Town can confirm that Jordon Forster is set for long-term spell on the sidelines after rupturing his Achilles in Saturday’s home game against Exeter City.
The Scottish defender was stretchered off in the second half of the Sky Bet League Two clash at the LCI Rail Stadium.
The extent of the injury was confirmed following an assessment from an orthopaedic consultant earlier this week.
Forster, 23, will now undergo surgery that will rule him out until 2018.
Manager Gary Johnson said: “We have lost Jordon for a lengthy period of time which is hugely disappointing.
“It’s a blow for Jordon as he had made a really good start to the season and had settled in well since his summer move from Hibernian.
“We wish him all the very best in his recovery and look forward to seeing him back out on the pitch in a Cheltenham shirt in the future."