ASTON VILLA have been rocked with the news that captain John Terry broke his metatarsal in the 2-1 home defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.
The Chelsea legend was forced off the field with just 21 minutes on the clock and now faces around three months on the sidelines.
The 36-year-old, who rejected a host of offers to sign a one-year deal with the Championship side, fell to the ground in pain following a Wednesday attack.
He was replaced by Chris Samba as he head down the tunnel with the medical staff to determine the seriousness of his injury.
Terry posted on Instagram: "Devastated is an understatement to how I'm feeling tonight, after my CT scan I have just had news that I have broken my 5th metatarsal.
"I will be doing everything I can to get back fit as soon as possible."
And after the game a dejected Steve Bruce confirmed their worst fears.
He said: "John went to hospital and it looks as if he has got a broken metatarsal which is bad news for all of us.
"How badly he has broken it, we don't know, but he will be out for quite some time, that's for sure.
"He has been immense for us during the last few months and when we analyse things tomorrow, that is when this will really hit us.
"The loss of key players is critical to us going forward especially your captain and John in particular.
"Let's hope it is not so bad. let's hope it is only one where it is six weeks out rather than 12 weeks."
Villa fell behind to an impressive Wednesday side after just 18 seconds through Adam Reach.
Jordan Rhodes then doubled the Owls' advantage before Samba grabbed a last second consolation.
It leaves Bruce's side in fifth, nine points off league leaders Wolves whilst Sheffield Wednesday move up to 11th.