Heskey is hit by England 'curse'

The 29-year-old Wigan frontman limped off just nine minutes into yesterday'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. We had it confirmed last night.

"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 yesterday. 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.

Before he received news of Heskey's injury, Wigan boss Chris Hutchings must have thought his luck was in as Jason Koumas salvaged his side's unbeaten home record by sweeping home a 78th minute penalty.

The visitors were in command of the game for long periods and until Hameur Bouazza hauled down Mario Melchiot in the box, it seemed Clint Dempsey's 11th-minute goal was going to prove enough.

Instead, it was the Latics who came closest to leaving with all three points after Paul Scharner's injury-time effort from Emmerson Boyce's cross was held on the line by Antti Niemi.

Bewildered Fulham boss Lawrie Sanchez said: "I would have thought that was about as comprehensive as you can get without actually winning a match and ultimately we were hanging on."

Simon Davies unleashed a 37th-minute effort which sailed into the arms of goalkeeper Chris Kirkland, who later made a fine double stop to deny Davies and Aaron Hughes.

Kirkland saved the Latics again in the 56th minute when Dempsey surged into the home half, played a neat one-two with Diomansy Kamara, but saw his shot blocked by the onrushing keeper.

Sanchez was full of praise for Texan Dempsey, who took his tally to three already this term, and whom his manager believes will reap the benefit from a good pre-season.

Sanchez said: "Clint will possibly feel he could have had more goals today. He could have doubled his goals tally in six matches but he's got three in six which is quite good.

"He's new to English football. This is his first real season start and he started games which he hasn't done too many times so we are expecting him to keep improving."