Heskey 'out for six weeks'

England striker Emile Heskey is facing up to six weeks on the sidelines after scans showed he has a fractured metatarsal.

The 29-year-old Wigan frontman limped off just nine minutes into Saturday's 1-1 Barclays Premier League draw with Fulham at the JJB Stadium with a suspected break.

Tests carried out since have revealed a crack fracture which could keep him out for six weeks, meaning he will not only miss several games for his club, but also England's vital Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia and Russia.

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan told Sky Sports News: "It's been a fantastic week, but a disappointing end. He has cracked a metatarsal in his foot.

"It's not a serious one, but it is still six weeks and I think he will definitely miss the first England game.

"It is bad luck, we are all aware of that. We were shocked. He just jumped up in the air and came down on his ankle. To do that is such bad luck, bad for Wigan, bad for England."

The news will come as a blow to both the player and national boss Steve McClaren, who was richly rewarded for his decision to recall Heskey to the international set-up with Wayne Rooney unavailable for last week's clashes with Israel and Russia and Peter Crouch suspended for the first game.

The former Leicester and Liverpool frontman instantly revived his partnership with Michael Owen as the Newcastle man claimed three goals in the two games.

Indeed, his contribution was so impressive that it sparked a debate over whether or not McClaren should prefer him to Rooney the next time the squad is assembled.

Heskey becomes the latest England international to be struck down by a metatarsal injury after the likes of Owen, Rooney, David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Gary Neville and Joey Barton.