Sam Nicholson was sent for an X-ray on Saturday after Bristol Rovers' win over Crawley Town, Joey Barton has revealed.
The Scotsman went off with 18 minutes to play at the Mem, shortly after being on the receiving end of a cynical foul from Nicholas Tsaroulla as the playmaker looked to counter.
The Gas would hold onto their 1-0 advantage to secure three important points, but Barton's mood in his post-match press conference was soured somewhat by the injury concern for one of his star players.
Nicholson's shin required further assessment following the game, and the Rovers boss will hope for good news when he arrives at The Quarters on Monday.
"It’s a terrible challenge," Barton said. "I’ll have to watch it again, I haven’t seen it again, but I’ve just seen his shin as he’s come off.
"It’s League Two, so in the Premier League it’s probably a 15-game ban, but in League Two: 'Play on'.
"He’s going to go and have an X-ray as a precaution, just because he’s got a little bit of discomfort.
"So fingers crossed for him, as he’s just come off the back of a long lay-off, that everything is alright."
For Nicholson, an injury of any significance would be a cruel blow, with the former Hearts winger just getting up to speed after missing several months following surgery to repair torn cartilage in his hip.
He scored in successive games for the Gas before Saturday's win over Crawley and Barton is desperate for good news.
The manager said: "He’s a massive player for us and a real creative force so I will have my rosary beads out and I’ll get the bible out and certainly ask the big fella to look after Sammy."
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