LIAM Trotter has been hit with the news that his hamstring injury is now worse than first feared – with the midfielder now facing 10 weeks on the sidelines.

Dougie Freedman described the news as a “massive blow” yesterday as he now stands to miss the former Millwall man until early November.

Trotter, pictured, limped out of Tuesday night’s Capital One Cup second round game at Crewe but it was initially hoped the tear in his muscle was only a minor one.

Scans have revealed more serious damage and Freedman is facing up to reshaping his midfield for today’s game at Leeds United.

“It is a very difficult one to take,” he said. “Right now it doesn’t rain, it pours. But I thought Darren Pratley has done well in that position recently and that Neil Danns can also play there, so we’re okay for bodies in the centre of midfield.”