Huddersfield Town face a nervous wait as doctors assess the severity of James Vaughan’s facial damage.

The striker suffered a fractured eye socket and cheekbone in his latest bout of injury misery.

It’s the kind of problem which could spell months rather than weeks on the sidelines.

Further tests should give a more accurate timescale for a possible return for the key player.

Vaughan took an accidental kick in the face during Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Middlesbrough.

It’s his second injury setback of the season – and fifth in his time at Town.

The ex-Norwich City man has suffered thigh, calf (twice) and knee injuries in the past.

They have contributed to limiting him to 74 appearances in 127 games during his time at the club.

The Vaughan setback leaves Town with just one fit experienced striker, Nahki Wells, as they prepare for Saturday’s trip to Wigan Athletic.

Manager Chris Powell was already on the look-out for a new recruit during the January transfer window, which closes at 11pm on Monday, February 2.

Ironically, Vaughan has now suffered three separate injuries in matches against Middlesbrough.

He missed 13 matches earlier this season because of a torn calf muscle.

And the Everton product was ruled out of the final eight games of last season because of a knee problem which needed surgery.

Vaughan had netted twice since his most recent return, and was Town’s top scorer in both 2012-13, with 14 goals, and last season, when he notched 12.