Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp says that Michael Dawson is devastated by the injury he sustained in England's win against Bulgaria.
The 26-year-old centre-half was carried off in the second half of the 4-0 win after falling awkwardly, suffering ankle and knee damage that will see him miss the start of the club's Champions League campaign.
Dawson did not rupture his cruciate ligaments as originally feared, so will not be ruled out for the season, however.
Redknapp told the Sunday Mirror: "The boy is absolutely devastated. It is a massive blow for him and the club."
"I'd like to say something positive about the situation, but other than we initially thought it was a lot worse and he could be out for the season, what can I say?
"We have no idea what is going to take longer to heal, his ankle or his knee. But we are talking months, not weeks."
"It couldn't have come at a worse time for us with crucial games coming thick and fast.
"I'm gutted for him at a time when he has quite rightly been given a chance to stake a claim for regular first-team football for England.
"As for Spurs, words fail me. He is the heartbeat and soul of this club. But thank God I went and got William Gallas on a free transfer. It's looking an even better deal now."