LIAM Hearn will receive his injury prognosis on Friday – but Mariners boss Paul Hurst admits that he is unlikely to play again this season.
A scan revealed that the striker has sustained a serious cruciate injury, but only a visit to a knee specialist this week will establish how long his recovery may take.
Hurst is fearing the worst for the 28-year-old – who missed most of last season with a ruptured Achilles – but is also adamant that Hearn will bounce back once again.
"Liam will see the specialist on Friday and we'll go from there," the Town manager said.
"But it's not good news what the scan has revealed and he's going to be out for a long time.
"I think it probably will be the start of the new season before he might be back.
"That's the indications that I've had and realistically, from what the scan has shown, I don't see him being able to play any part for us this season.
"He's obviously down about it but he's got to stay strong and his time will come. At this moment, that obviously seems a long way off.
"I'm sure he can bounce back from this, though. Other players have done it and he is a fit lad who looks after himself.
"It's extremely early and he hasn't actually had the operation yet.
"I just hope that when the surgeon goes in there he can somehow make it as quick a recovery as possible."
