Caley Thistle captain Gary Warren faces several months on the sidelines after breaking his leg during Inverness’ 1-0 home defeat in their Premiership opener against Motherwell on Saturday.
Warren was taken to hospital following a hefty challenge by Motherwell midfielder Stephen Pearson in the first half of the loss.
The 30-year-old has broken his fibula and the injury is a huge blow for Caley Jags at a time when the squad is already stretched, with manager John Hughes only able to name five substitutes for Saturday’s game.
Defender Carl Tremarco, and midfielders Richie Foran, Aaron Doran, James Vincent and Jordan Roberts were already out, while defender Josh Meekings was also withdrawn at half-time after picking up a knock.
Hughes is devastated by the loss of Warren, who has been given the captain’s armband this season following the departure of Graeme Shinnie to Aberdeen in the summer.
Hughes said: “I am bitterly disappointed for him. Since the day I came here Gary has been such an honest, hard-working guy.
“He missed two cup finals through suspension – and then this happens.
“He’d only just taken over the captaincy, so we are devastated.
“I wish him a speedy recovery. I don’t think there was any malice in the tackle from Stephen Pearson.”
Inverness goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams feels his side must show leadership in the absence of captain Warren.
Fon Williams, a summer signing from Tranmere Rovers, saved a first-half penalty from Motherwell forward Scott McDonald, but his intervention could not help Caley Jags take anything from the match.
The Welsh goalkeeper has called on his team-mates to rally following their opening-day defeat and said: “The injury to Gary was a tough one to take as he’s an integral part of the team.
“I know when a big guy like Gary goes down and stays down, it’s worrying.
“I’ve only known the lads a couple of weeks but I can quickly see who the tough cookies are – and Gary is definitely one.
“Ross Draper came in and filled the gap tremendously well, but when we start losing players on the pitch it is always difficult.
“We need to look at ourselves and see where we can improve individually and as a team.
“We can do that from today onwards.
“We need to roll our sleeves up, there’s no two ways about it. Each and every one of us has to look themselves and ask if that is the best we can do.
“It is going to be a long, tough season and we need men out there, leaders, and we need to work together. That’s what we’ll do this week.”