Everton's Bryan Oviedo suffered what his manager, Roberto Martínez, said appeared to be a double fracture of his left leg during Saturday night's FA Cup tie against Stevenage, raising fears about the 23-year-old midfielder's future.

The injury also dealt a blow to Costa Rica, one of England's opponents in the group stages of this year's World Cup. Oviedo, one of his country's established international stars, slid in for a routine challenge in the 16th minute of the game but his studs appeared to catch in the turf. A rainstorm an hour before kick-off had softened the ground at the Lamex Stadium.

His distressed team-mates immediately called for medical assistance and a stretcher, and Oviedo was taken straight to hospital. Everton were already ahead at the time and went on to win the fourth-round tie 4-0.

"It was very unfortunate," Martínez said. "There was nothing malicious intended, but unfortunately I think he's picked up a double fracture. We'll assess what is the next step for him, but it's one of those moments which you don't get many of in football, thankfully, but leaves a bad taste, a bad feeling.

"Bryan has been showing his level this season, the quality that he has, so it's one of those moments you feel terribly sad for him, because it was a great time in his career with the World Cup coming up. All we want now is for Bryan to fully recover as quickly as he can and make sure he comes back."

It is hard to believe Oviedo, who has already made 26 appearances for Costa Rica, will regain fitness in time for his country's match against England in Belo Horizonte on 24 June.

But Martínez, who can become the first manager in the history of the FA Cup to retain the trophy with a different club, said the manner in which his players had refocused after the incident demonstrated their professionalism.

"It was difficult for my players. They had begun brightly, defended well and shown great concentration, so it was a real test for my players. They showed an incredible love for the game by giving no excuses and doing what they needed to do to win the football game.

"That's a really important ingredient if you want to be successful in this competition, so I'm really pleased with that, excited about the next round and looking forward to the draw."