Steven Gerrard fears Diego Carlos is set for a long spell on the sidelines after sustaining a worrying injury in just his second appearance for Aston Villa.
The Brazilian defender, a £26million summer capture from Sevilla, sustained damage to his ankle and Achilles late in the 2-1 win over Everton and was immediately sent to hospital for a scan.
If Gerrard's concerns are well-founded, it may force Villa back into the transfer market.
'I'm extremely worried about that situation,' said Gerrard.
'We're going to send him for an MRI scan but it doesn't look good right now.