Gateshead captain and inspirational midfielder Kris Gate could be out for the rest of the season following a scan on his thigh injury.
The 25-year-old joined Gateshead in 2007 following his release from home-town club Newcastle United and has played a key role in their rise to the Blue Square Premier.
The Geordie playmaker has suffered a grade two tear in the thigh muscle and some fibre has snapped forcing him to be sidelined for six weeks.
"I am devastated because I wanted to play my part in the survival bid but it doesn't look like that will now be the case," said Gate. "There is a chance I could be back for the last week but that is if everything goes well and you can often have a setback with an injury.
"The lads will have to do it without me and I know they are capable - and desperate - to keep Gateshead in the Blue Square Premier."
Gate has made 133 appearances and scored thirteen goals during his three years at the International Stadium and will be a big miss.
Gateshead are working hard to bring in a central midfield player on an emergency loan and assistant-manager Jeff Wrightson has urged his side to overcome this latest set back.
"Kris Gate has been a big player for us since he joined the club," said Wrightson "but we can't afford to dwell on the bad news and will have to make sure we get the job done without him.
"He has led by example but we have huge games between now and the end of the season and other leaders have to come to the fore."
