Leicester City star Wesley Fofana has vowed to come back stronger after a horror injury in a pre-season friendly that could curtail his season.
The Foxes defender was a star last term and earned plenty of plaudits after being signed as an unknown quantity.
But now Brendan Rodgers faces the prospect of a lengthy spell without the young Frenchman after he was scythed down against Villarreal.
It has been confirmed that Fofana sustained a tibia injury after being tackled by Fer Nino just before the hour mark.
The 20-year-old required oxygen on the pitch before he shared a worrying photo of himself on social media.
Wesley Fofana was forced off with what could be a season ending injury
It has since been deleted and he shared a message stating his determination to return.
He said: "Hello guys, many thanks for all your messages. It is a bad day today but I am in a tremendous club with a wonderful medical team.
"I will give you news as a soon as I have a final diagnosis but we already know that I have a fibula fracture. I will come soon and stronger: do not worry"
Summer signing Ryan Bertrand provided two assists as he begins life at the King Power.
But whilst he was pleased with the team's efforts he concedes the focus is solely on the wellbeing of Fofana.
He said: "Obviously, everyone is thinking about Wes at the moment but we'll find out more on that,' the full-back told Leicester 's official website.
"That kind of took over the occasion and nobody likes that.
"Other than that it was a good performance from the boys before that, we gave a good account of ourselves, good fitness.
'"But importantly, we came into the game thinking, 'Yeah, it's pre-season', but now it's time for results so we managed to do that.
"Unfortunately, what happened happened and it was a tough game for the change of team. They did very well to come on with the atmosphere and deal with the game after that."
Fofana's injury may force the Foxes to dip into the market in the coming weeks as they seek cover.
However Rodgers will also be looking to retain his top stars with Arsenal interest in adding James Maddison.
The playmaker made 42 appearances last term and has become a crucial figure at the King Power with Leicester demanding in excess of £60m for him.