Tom Trbojevic could miss the remainder of Manly's regular season after sustaining a cheekbone injury that has soured Saturday's thrilling 56-10 win over Parramatta.
The superstar fullback is expected to be sidelined for at least the next two weeks after suffering a fractured cheekbone.
The Sea Eagles confirmed the Trbojevic injury on Sunday, the club initially claiming he had avoided serious injury thanks to a plate that was inserted from a previous fracture.
"Full-back Tom Trbojevic also suffered a knock to the cheekbone," a statement from Manly read.
"Fortunately, the hit was on a plate that he has from a previous fracture which prevented a serious injury from occurring.
"Tom has some swelling and bruising around the site. He will be given every chance to prove his fitness for next Friday night’s match against the Canberra Raiders."
However, a report from the Daily Telegraph revealed Trbojevic had suffered a fracture, which is likely to see him miss the Sea Eagles' next two games against the Bulldogs and Raiders.
The Sea Eagles face the Cowboys in the final round of the season and could yet choose to rest Trbojevic to ensure he's 100 per cent fit for the finals.
Nonetheless, it comes as a severe blow to Des Hasler's side, who are two points adrift of the top four and will hope to overcome a horror record without Trbojevic in the side.
Since 2019, the Sea Eagles have won just 11 from 35 games without Trbojevic playing.
Arguably the NRL's form player, Trbojevic's latest injury setback also comes as a big blow to his hopes of securing a maiden Dally M Medal.
More to come
