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Rhys Healey's season has been left in tatters with Neil Warnock fearing Cardiff City's rookie striker is facing at least nine months out after a double knee ligament injury.

Healey went down in agony after his studs appeared to catch in the turf after a surge into the Rotherham box in the first-half of the Bluebirds' thumping 5-0 win over the Millers.

And the 22-year-old – making his first league start at Cardiff City Stadium – covered his face with his shirt as he coped with the pain from the innocuous looking incident.

Warnock will now wait for details of a scan on Monday to see the full extent of the damage to the former Newport County loan star's left knee.

(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

But he said initial prognosis suggested the striker had damaged both the cruciate and anterior ligaments, meaning it could be “at least” a nine-month recovery.

(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

Warnock said: “Even with the result, Rhys' injury soured everything because we think he's done both ligaments. He's gone for another scan but it would be a major blow.

“He's done so well for us, given us a new lease of life with that goal against Burton and winning the penalty the other night and it's so disappointing to see him miss out with a nothing injury because his studs got caught in the turf.

“We'll know for sure next week but if it is both ligaments it will be nine months if he's lucky. It's disappointing to say the least.”