Joe Riley is set to be out of action for a number of months after damaging the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.
The academy graduate sustained the injury in Wanderers’ development squad friendly against Skelmersdale last week.
“It’s a blow for Joe,” Dougie Freedman said. “But knowing the kind of lad he is, he’ll come back better and stronger.”
Riley has made a total of nine senior appearances for the club since breaking into the first team squad in 2011.