Stoke City could reportedly have to make do without the services of Bojan Krkic for the next nine months.

The Spaniard, who after a tricky start to life in the Premier League has become a key part of Mark Hughes's team at the Britannia Stadium, limped off during the first half of Stoke's 4-1 FA Cup victory over Rochdale last night.

Speaking after the final whistle, Hughes admitted that the condition of the 24-year-old's left knee was a cause for "concern", with a scan expected to take place today.

According to Spanish publication Marca, the former Barcelona forward has now learned the extent of the problem, with a damaged cruciate ligament having been revealed.

If confirmed, the injury could potentially keep Bojan sidelined until the latter part of 2015.

The striker, who opened the scoring at Spotland, has found the net on five occasions during his 18 appearances this season.