Leicester City striker Matty Fryatt could be out for rest of season

Matty Fryatt faces at least eight weeks out after undergoing surgery on his broken jaw.

Leicester City's top scorer was transferred to a private hospital yesterday morning to undergo surgery on a double fracture of the jaw, after spending the night in Leicester Royal Infirmary.

Depending on the severity of the injury, the surgery may include wires or even a plate being fitted.

Fryatt's recovery time is expected to last for at least two months and there has to be doubts over whether he will feature again this season as he will need time to regain his fitness.

The 23-year-old was injured in a collision with Doncaster Rovers captain Brian Stock in the 29th minute of Tuesday night's goalless draw.

No action was taken against Stock for the challenge, which initially appeared to be an innocent collision, although video replays do not do help his case.

City manager Nigel Pearson was unhappy with the challenge but City are unlikely to take the matter any further.

Instead, Pearson will now turn his attention to bringing in a replacement for Fryatt now the emergency transfer window has opened.

Pearson has found his attacking options reduced in recent weeks. Paul Dickov has been released, DJ Campbell has gone on loan to Blackpool for the rest of the season, and Yann Kermorgant has missed the last two games with a hamstring strain.

Now Fryatt's absence may force Pearson, who is unlikely to recall Campbell from Bloomfield Road, to bring in a replacement and he will ask owner Milan Mandaric to make the finances available to do so.

Pearson was left frustrated in his attempts to add to his squad in the January transfer window and he will be keen to add some firepower after watching his side score just seven times in eight games since the turn of the year.

Fryatt's injury could be a sad end to a season that had started so brightly for the popular striker.

After a frustrating season in the Championship two years ago, Fryatt was keen to prove he could be potent at a higher level and started the season in superb form.

He scored eight goals in his first 10 games, including doubles against Blackpool and Watford.

He struck twice again as City beat QPR at Loftus Road at the end of October, but the goals have dried up for him lately.

Fryatt had scored twice in 14 games before the visit of Rovers, leaving him with a tally of 12 for the season.