Welsh defender Chris Coleman faces up to nine months on the sidelines after suffering serious injuries in a car crash, according to national team manager Mark Hughes.
He spoke to the Fulham player in hospital, where his mood was upbeat despite the accident which broke his right leg in several places.
But Hughes said Coleman realised he faces a gruelling period before he can hope to play football again.
"He's very positive about the coming months, which will obviously be difficult for him," said Hughes.
"I think it will be six to nine months, something of that timescale. It will be a long haul for him."
He's very much a major player for us and is going to be sorely missed
Coleman looks certain to miss Wales' March World Cup qualifiers and the rest of Fulham's promotion campaign.
But Hughes said he was positive about the future.
"He's a happy-go-lucky lad, so I think that will will help him. He was quite perky, laughing and joking," he added
"He's very much a major player for us, and is going to be sorely missed.
"Maybe football's taken a little bit of a back seat at this time. It shows you things can change so quickly.
"He's grateful that he's come through and come out the other side
Source bbc