Kevin Pilkington has been in fine form this season (Getty Images)

Pilkington broke his fibula during training on Friday, forcing the Magpies to sign Stoke's Russell Hoult on loan.

Pilkington, 33, told the club's website: "The X-ray was positive.

"It showed nothing had moved in the leg so it is just a case of waiting for the bone to heal. I would think six to eight weeks is what I will be out for."

Manager Ian McParland told BBC Radio Nottingham: "It was a freak accident and I feel sick for Kevin. He's been fantastic in the last two months."

Pilkington's place will continue to be taken by Hoult, 35, who has joined on loan until the end of the season.

Hoult made his debut in Saturday's 3-1 home defeat to Bradford City, being beaten by three goals in the space of just 13 second-half minutes.

It was only Hoult's second league game in over a year, since his abrupt departure from West Bromwich Albion for Stoke last January.

And, in his only league appearance for Stoke, at Home Park in a 2-2 draw against Plymouth Argyle over Christmas, he was sent off.

County's second-choice Tim Sandercombe is also sidelined with a finger injury.