Stoke City will have to cope without star forward Bojan for remainder of the season after the Spaniard damaged his cruciate knee ligament.

The 24-year-old picked up the problem during Monday’s FA Cup fourth-round win over Rochdale, going down unchallenged in the opposition penalty area in the 32nd minute.

The former Barcelona youngster was immediately substituted and went for a scan on Tuesday to determine the extent of the injury.

Stoke boss Mark Hughes has now been given the news he did not want after it was confirmed he had damaged his ligament and will be out of action for at least the next six months.

After a slow start to life at the Britannia Stadium following his summer move from Barca, Bojan has become a vital player for the Potters.

The former Ajax and AC Milan loanee scored the opener against Rochdale on Monday, his fifth goal in his last 10 appearances.

Hughes admits he is gutted to lose the talented forward, whose good form has resulted in him recently been linked with a January move to Liverpool.

Hughes said: “It’s bitterly disappointing for the club but even more so for Bojan himself as he was making such a big impact on the Premier League and clearly enjoying his football. We wish him a speedy recovery.”

Bojan’s injury could force Hughes to make a shift move into the January transfer market, with his attacking options having already been limited by Peter Odemwingie’s season-ending injury last year.

The Potters could have to go with what they have got for now as they prepare to face Queens Park Rangers on Saturday. Stoke are 1.62 to win the game, with the R’s 5.82 and the draw 3.56.