The Leicester midfielder was stretchered off during his side's 1-0 defeat by Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday.

And his worst fears have noe been confirmed after a scan revealed he had ruptured cruciate ligaments in his right knee.

The injury is likely to keep him out of action until next Christmas.

The news came as a massive blow to his club manager Dave Bassett, who is already facing the relegation battle without key players like Gerry Taggart, Gary Rowett, Darren Eadie and Dennis Wise.

Bassett said: "I keep saying I've run over a black cat - but with the way things are going you had better make that two!

"Just about nothing seems to be going in our favour.

"What has happened to Matthew is the latest blow. That and the injury to Jordan are just more problems to add to the list.

"I was really hoping the scan on Jones would be satisfactory because we do need him.

"But our worst fears have been realised and nothing seems to be going our way.

"In terms of the number of first teamers who are injured, there is absolutely no doubt that this is the worst injury crisis I have known in my career."