Ashley Westwood, a midfielder for Burnley, was carried out on a stretcher after suffering a major injury in the 1-1 draw with West Ham.
The incident occurred in the 22nd minute, when he collided with Nikola Vlasic after a 50-50 challenge.
Westwood fared worse, suffering a severe leg injury that required medical attention for several minutes.
Vlasic was in an emotional state and had to be consoled by team-mates, who also looked shaken by the incident.
Westwood was eventually stretchered off in the 30th minute and replaced by Josh Brownhill.
Burnley caretaker manager Mike Jackson confirmed to Sky Sports in his post-match interview that Westwood had been taken to hospital.
Obviously we know it doesn’t look too good, but fingers crossed it’s not as bad [as it seemed].
‘The incident with Ash affected the group… because he’s their mate. We’re just hoping he’s okay. Given everything that has gone on this week and what has happened in the game today, it’s a good point for us, in the end.’
Jackson also mentioned that West Ham star Declan Rice came to the Burnley bench to alert them to the seriousness of the injury.
Rice’s midfield partner Tomas Soucek said after the game: ‘It was a horrible injury and I just hope Westwood feels very good, very soon. I just wish him all the best.’
Moments after Westwood came off, Burnley took the lead through Wout Weghorst’s second goal for the club.
David Moyes’ side eventually got on level terms thanks to Soucek’s close-range finish in the 74th minute.
The loss of Westwood will come as a big blow to the Clarets, who currently face a difficult task of avoiding the drop.
The 32-year-old had been a regular in the team, having started 27 of their 31 Premier League games this season.
Sunday’s draw with West Ham was Burnley’s first match since sacking Sean Dyche. They remain 18th and three points adrift of safety.
