Liam Chilvers may have ruptured his Achilles tendon (Getty Images)

The defender was hurt in the pre-match warm-up and replaced by Billy Jones.

The 26-year-old will see a specialist to discover if the tendon has been ruptured and is likely to face surgery.

Boss Alan Irvine told BBC Radio Lancashire: "It's very disappointing as Liam's been very consistent. He's been really terrific. It looks long-term."

Chilvers has made 31 appearances for the Deepdale club this season and has played a key role in helping North End pull clear of the relegation zone.

He could have been wallowing in self-pity yet he was terrific Boss Alan Irvine

Irvine said he would sign a replacement had the injury happened in January but thinks Preston are strong enough to continue their relegation battle without him.

The North End manager also praised Chilvers for not letting his injury take the gloss off the win at The Valley.

"He was still smiling in the dressing room afterwards; shaking people's hands and being delighted for everybody," he added.

"That's a mark of the lad - he could have been wallowing in self-pity yet he was terrific and is just getting on with it."