Manager Keith Hill has confirmed that Connor Randall suffered a fractured cheekbone in Dale’s Checkatrade Trophy tie against Bury on Tuesday night.
The on loan Liverpool full-back was forced off after just 12 minutes of the game at the Crown Oil Arena.
He’ll need an operation on the injury and is expected to be sidelined for around 12 weeks.
“He’s got a fractured cheekbone” said Hill.
“It was a clumsy accident that led to Connor having to come off, and unfortunately for Connor, he’s going to be out for 12 weeks. That’s a big miss for us and it’s a shame for him.
“He’s back at Liverpool [for treatment] because he needs an operation but we’re in contact. We wish him well in his recovery.”