The ex-skipper was given a starting place in midfield but pulled up in the Wolves game after 15 minutes and needed to be stretchered off.

It was later confirmed to the South African that he has ruptured his Achilles tendon and will miss most of the season, if not all.

The news is a massive blow to The Chief, who is in his testimonial season at Elland Road, and to United boss Kevin Blackwell who has lost an important member of his squad.

"It's a travesty for Lucas and Leeds United Football Club," Blackwell told the Leeds official website.

"Unfortunately that could end his career as a player and it is not the way he would have wanted to go, and then of course it's another bad injury we cannot afford at this moment."

Radebe's career at Leeds has been hit by a series of bad injuries and he suffers from a chronic knee problem.

Report courtesy of www.leedsunited.com