INJURY-plagued Socceroo Chris Herd has suffered another set-back, stretchered off during Wigan’s 1-0 win over Reading in England’s Championship with a knee ligament problem.

Herd, on loan from Aston Villa, went down early in the second-half after a collision in a cluttered penalty box. The club has said it “could be serious”.

The injury caused a mammoth 12 minutes of injury time to be added for the Latics to hold onto their lead at the end of the game. But a resolute performance ensured Wigan debutant Jason Pearce’s goal was enough to claim the three points.

Australian Adam Federici was in goal for Reading and made some strong saves, particularly in the first-half off a Leon Clarke header.

ROO RADAR: LUONGO INJURY, TROISI AND WRIGHT STAR

Round of applause from both fans as Herd is taken off. Hope that's not too serious — Reading FC (@ReadingFC) February 17, 2015

NEWS: Chris Herd has a knee ligament problem. Not sure as to the extend yet, but could be serious. #wafc — Wigan Athletic (@LaticsOfficial) February 17, 2015

The injury to Herd comes as a massive blow to the talented Western Australian, whose utility value has not yet been fully utilised at international level due to repeated injury set-backs.

His previous loan spell at Bolton included just three appearances due to persistent niggles, while he withdrew from Ange Postecoglou’s Asian Cup squad due to an Achilles injury picked up in the pre-tournament training camp.