Clarets striker Andy Payton is looking at up to two months out of action.
Payton sustained a leg wound in Burnley reserves' 1-1 home draw with Tranmere Rovers in their Avon Insurance League Premier Division clash on Wednesday night.
The challenge with Rovers' Sean Thornton left Payton needing stitches both to the flesh wound and to muscle tissue.
"It is one of the worst cuts I have seen," said Clarets boss Stan Ternent.
"It needed a lot of stitches both for the muscle and the wound and really Andy is looking at six to eight weeks."
It a blow for Payton who was looking to work his way back into contention.
After a month on loan at second division Blackpool, Payton returned to take a place on the bench for the third round FA Cup clash against Canvey Island.
But now he could be looking at a spell on the sidelines until March.
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