Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson has revealed that Bakary Sako will miss the rest of the season with "a very serious" ankle injury.
During Palace's clash with West Ham United on Tuesday night, Sako came off worst in a challenge with Pablo Zabaleta and needed to be substituted.
Scans have now revealed that the Malian international has fractured his ankle and damaged ligaments, leading to Hodgson to suggest that the attacker may not be ready for the start of the next campaign.
The Eagles boss is quoted by BBC Sport as saying: "Baky's injury is a very serious one. He certainly won't play again this season and may be a doubt to be fit for the start of next."
Sako had emerged as a key player for Palace, with four goals being scored in nine appearances since December 12.
