Leicestershire have been hit by the news that their overseas player, Daniel Marsh, may be out for the rest of the season.

Marsh suffered a fractured cheekbone while fielding in the slips against Surrey on Saturday.

He will undergo an operation on Wednesday, but Leicestershire manager Jack Birkenshaw is not optimistic.

"It is a massive blow to us and I feel very sorry for Daniel," Birkenshaw said.

"He will certainly be out for a minimum of five or six weeks and it could be longer depending on what the specialist says after the operation on Wednesday.

"He has been in terrific form for us and will be a big loss to the side.

"We will wait to get the specialist's report before deciding what to do but it is possible we may look for a replacement. He is a big player to lose at this stage of the season."

Marsh is averaging 46 with the bat in first-class cricket this season, as well as contributing several telling performances in the one-day game with bat and ball. His spin bowling was expected to come to the fore as the summer wore on.

© CricInfo