LUKE Varney will be out of action for a month after suffering a punctured lung and broken rib at Watford on Saturday.
After arriving from Ipswich and signing an 18-month contract, the striker made his Brewers debut in the 2-0 defeat at Vicarage Road but was stretchered off in the second half.
Varney collided with the Watford goalkeeper while challenging for the ball and landed badly with resulting breathing difficulties.
The player received oxygen and was taken to hospital but was conscious after the incident.
Nigel Clough has now confirmed that Varney suffered a punctured lung and that he is looking at four weeks' recovery time.
The Brewers boss is disappointed to be losing his new signing but mostly feels for the player.
He said: “More than anything this is a blow for Luke. Unfortunately, that’s one of the things that can happen in football. We look forward to getting him back on the pitch some time in February.”