DARLINGTON defender Sam Muggleton is braced for an extended period on the sidelines after learning just how bad the injuries are that that will keep him out for the rest of the season.

Muggleton will be undergoing further tests and checks before a timescale will be put on his return after sustaining the horrible injuries against Southport on Saturday.

Video: Highlights from the match, including, from 5:10, the challenge which broke Darlington defender Sam Muggleton's leg

The 23-year-old was only making his second appearance for the Quakers following his loan move from Chesterfield until the end of the season.

But Muggleton was left hospitalised after he came off worst in a challenge with Southport’s Marcus Wood at Blackwell Meadows in the National League North encounter.

Darlington have now issued a statement confirming his problems, with the left-back suffering a broken leg as well as damage to three knee ligaments caused by a dislocation.

The statement said: "Sam Muggleton and Terry Galbraith were both taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital for treatment after sustaining injuries during Saturday’s home game with Southport.

"Sam has sustained two injuries – a partial fracture of his femur, and knee ligament damage caused by a dislocation. He will be having a further scan on Monday to assess the extent of the damage.

"Terry has suffered a partial concussion and will be ruled out of Wednesday’s home game against Brackley.

“We’re sure that everyone connected to the club would like to wish both players a speedy recovery, and we would also like to thank the medical staff for their care and attention during and following both incidents.”

Darlington also lost Terry Galbraith in the same game and he will miss Wednesday’s visit of Brackley.

Muggleton, whose first appearance was against Blyth last week, suffered the injuries when he went into a challenge with Wood.

Muggleton's left leg slammed into the Southport man and video footage of the incident highlights how bad it was, even though Wood’s reaction has been criticised because he did not know the extent of it.

The on-loan Darlington player is the son of former Stoke goalkeeper Carl Muggleton and he will now have surgery in the hope that he can make a swift recovery.

Muggleton has spent time at numerous clubs and he only moved to Chesterfield in the summer after a spell with York, where he was sent on loan to Scarborough.

After claiming the point from the goalless draw with Southport, Darlington are looking to build on that against promotion chasers Brackley.

The Quakers are nine points above the relegation zone.