Striker Emile Heskey has undergone a successful operation for a stress fracture of his foot after suffering the injury against Fulham at the JJB Stadium on Saturday.

The 29-year-old England international is likely to be out for six weeks and could miss Three Lions’ Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia and Russia next month.

Heskey, who looked impressive against Israel and Russia after being recalled to the international fold by Steve McClaren and seemed set to keep his place when the qualifying action resumes next month, has had a screw inserted into the foot during an operation Monday evening.

Latics’ Head Physio Alan Tomlinson told the club’s official website: "Understandably everyone wants to know when Emile will be fit again to play, but the most important thing is that he fully recovers and the foot heals properly.

"I'm delighted with how we have dealt with this as a club; Emile was on his way to hospital before the first half had even finished and has received the best care available.

"His attitude since joining the club has been exemplary and I have no doubt he will carry that commitment into his rehab work to get fit again as quickly as possible."