Bolton s Lee Chung-Yong will miss the new season after breaking his leg in Saturday s friendly against Newport County.
The 23-year-old midfielder underwent an operation on Saturday night after he sustained a double fracture of his right lower leg just a fortnight before the new English Premier League season kicks off.
The South Korea international was treated by paramedics and required oxygen following a challenge in the 25th minute from Newport midfielder Tom Miller, who was substituted immediately after the incident.
The midfielder has been an influential figure for Owen Coyle s side since his move from FC Seoul in 2009 and made 31 league appearances for Bolton last term, scoring three goals and providing six assists.
Lee also won Bolton s Player of the Year award in his first season with Wanderers.
Bolton manager Owen Coyle said the operation was a success and added the club would aim to aid his recovery as best as they possibly could.
We will make sure Chung-Yong gets all the support he needs, as now it is all about his recovery and well-being. That is the most important thing, Coyle told the club s website.
The operation went well and we would like to pass on our thanks to the medical staff involved.
The injury also rules Lee out of Korea s third round 2014 World Cup qualifying games with Saturday s draw grouping the nation against Kuwait, UAE and Lebanon.