Caley Thistle fear midfielder Sean Welsh could miss the rest of the season with a suspected broken metatarsal.
Welsh limped off in severe discomfort towards the end of Inverness’ 3-2 win over Alloa Athletic on Tuesday, having netted from the spot earlier in the match.
The 29-year-old previously suffered a metatarsal injury with Partick Thistle in February 2017, and did not feature again before being released by the Firhill outfit that summer.
Inverness are now awaiting the results of a scan ahead of tomorrow’s Championship home match against Falkirk, with Caley Jags manager John Robertson fearing the worst.
Robertson said: “We’re just waiting on confirmation, but Sean may be out for the rest of the season.
“It looks like he has cracked a metatarsal, which he’s done before.
“It hasn’t been confirmed yet, but it is certainly looking that way. We’re just waiting on the scan result.
“It will be a blow but, in saying that, it is up to others now to step up to the mark.
“Sean is definitely out of this game and we’ll wait and find out what exactly is wrong.”
Robertson signed Welsh on a free transfer last summer following his departure from tomorrow’s opponents Falkirk, where he was unable to command a regular starting place.
Welsh has made 34 appearances since arriving at Caledonian Stadium, netting four goals from the spot, and Robertson has challenged his other midfielders to compensate for his absence.
Robertson added: “Sean has been terrific for us this season – one of the unsung heroes.
“He’s in the team every week and he’s in the team every week for a reason, with the job he does for us.
“He has been brilliant, he’s been consistent and he does what it says on the tin in the middle of the park.
“He wins the ball, passes it, breaks play up and he also gets forward.
“He has also become a very reliable penalty-taker to boot, but I think it is his influence on the team. He is one of our experienced players, patrolling the middle of the park and mixing play up.
“If it is confirmed as what we think it is a big blow for the player and team but just means the likes of Charlie Trafford, Joe Chalmers, Liam Polworth and a couple of the young lads can step up to the mark.
“It’s not a problem at all.”
Robertson also confirmed on-loan Hearts midfielder Anthony McDonald has returned to training following a groin injury, however tomorrow’s visit of the Bairns will come too soon for him, with the Caley Jags boss hopeful of including the 18-year-old in his squad for Tuesday’s match against Ross County.
