Leyton Orient striker Paul McCallum has been ruled out for at least six months after scans confirmed cruciate ligament damage to his right knee.
The O's feared the worst after he was stretchered off the pitch at the end of the draw at Northampton Town on Saturday.
McCallum has scored three goals in nine appearances this season although his last one came at the end of August.
It is likely head coach Ian Hendon will be forced into the transfer market with Jay Simpson and Ollie Palmer his only senior forwards in the squad.
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