Preston North End dealt a huge injury blow as 'talisman' Callum Robinson is ruled out for three months

Robinson damaged a tendon in his hamstring during Saturday's 4-1 win over Blackburn Rovers and will see a specialist this week as to whether he will need an operation to repair it.

It is a huge blow to North End who are already without Sean Maguire, Daniel Johnson, Josh Harrop and Billy Bodin because of long-term injuries.

Speaking at Springfields on Monday morning ahead of Tuesday night's Championship clash with Middlesbrough, Neil said: "It is really bad news with Callum.

"He is going to be out for a minimum of three months, he has torn a tendon and we are going to get an opinion this week on whether it needs surgery or not.

"It has been an horrific time for us in terms of injuries.

"Like last season, the injuries are all in the same area of the pitch.

"Last season it was defenders, now we have five creative attacking players out, four of who would probably start regularly.

"For us to have to cope with that is tough.

"Callum has been our talisman this year which makes this really frustrating."

Robinson has started 17 of North End's 18 Championship games this season, illness restricting him to a second-half substitute role at Hull in October.

He's scored nine league goals and one in the League Cup.

The 23-year-old had scored PNE's second goal in the Blackburn game but pulled up in the 68th minute.