Nugent scored twice before picking up his injury

Nugent broke the fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot as he attempted to shoot against Ipswich and will now be out for 10 to 12 weeks.

"It is a massive blow for both the player and the club at such a crucial stage," said manager Billy Davies.

"The only positive is that it will give other strikers the chance to come in and stake a claim."

Nugent, 20, limped out of the action against Ipswich after the ball was caught under him as he went for his hat-trick.

Report: Preston 3-1 Ipswich

His double against Town took Nugent's tally to 10 for the season.

The striker has already had one spell out of action this season when he was sidelined for several weeks with impetigo following an insect bite.

Before the win over Ipswich Preston had scored one goal in five games and had dropped out of the play-off zone.

Preston moved back into the top six after Tuesday's 3-1 win, with Patrick Agyemang also on the scoresheet for Preston.