WANDERERS have been dealt a huge blow ahead of the busy Christmas schedule with in-form midfielder Mark Davies ruled out for up to three months with a collarbone injury.

Davies fell awkwardly during the 2-2 draw at Huddersfield on Saturday but completed the game, scoring in the process.

But The Bolton News believes a scan this week revealed the injury was worse than first feared.

It is understood Davies had surgery on his collarbone yesterday and is set for at least two months out of action and it could be as much as three.

It is bad news for the Whites with Davies in such a rich vein of form of late.

The 24-year-old has started every game under new boss Dougie Freedman, apart from the win at Blackburn for which he was suspended. He has scored three goals in five matches and two in the last two outings against Ipswich and Huddersfield.

And his displays even reignited speculation that summer suitors Swansea City could come back in for his services in the January transfer window.

Now, though, the former Wolves man is unlikely to play again until that transfer window has closed.

Davies’ situation is yet to be officially confirmed by Wanderers but his anticipated absence is a setback for Freedman ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Charlton Athletic.

The Scot has options in midfield but the Whites will miss the goal threat he provides advancing from the engine room.