Fulham star Harry Wilson has been ruled out for two months with a knee injury, sources have told Football Insider.
The 25-year-old suffered the injury in a behind-closed-doors friendly with Aston Villa last week.
It is understood that checks have shown Wilson is now facing up to eight weeks on the sidelines to recover from the problem.
Given the Wales international’s pedigree, his absence is a shattering blow for Marco Silva’s Premier League new boys.
The injury is not believed to put the attacking midfielder’s chances of playing at the World Cup at risk though.
Wilson was one the standout players in the Championship last season.
His performances helped the Cottagers win the league title and secure promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
He contributed 11 goals and 21 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions.
Fulham signed Wilson from Liverpool in July 2021 for a fee of £12million.
He put pen to paper on a five-year deal at Craven Cottage.
The newly-promoted side have signed Joao Palhinha, Andreas Pereira, Manor Solomon, Kevin Mbabu and Bernd Leno this summer.
However, Marco Silva’s side remain the third favourites for relegation in the 2022-23 campaign.
They get their season underway on Saturday against Harry Wilson’s former side Liverpool.
Wilson and Nathaniel Chalobah are both set to miss the opening fixture through injury.