Heskey limped out of Wigan's 1-1 draw with Fulham at the JJB Stadium after just nine minutes and it initially appeared the striker had simply turned his right ankle.

But it is now feared Heskey could have suffered a more serious injury which could lead to more than a month on the sidelines - and rule him out of England's Euro 2008 matches against Estonia and Russia next month.

While Wigan officials privately feared the worst, boss Chris Hutchings said: "Emile has gone to hospital to have an X-ray and obviously we will just have to wait and see how bad it is.

"He just came down and rolled his ankle and whether he has also broken anything we don't know. He tried to carry on but it was too painful.

"It is very disappointing for Emile. He didn't want to come off because everyone who knows, Emile knows if he can stay on he will stay on. But we didn't want to do any more damage and think long-term."

Heskey's injury was a major blow for Hutchings who cut an otherwise relieved figure after Jason Koumas rescued a point with a 78th-minute penalty.

Wigan were second best for long periods and Hutchings said: "We looked a little bit inept but if things don't go your way you have to dig deep and we were fortunate to come away with a point."

Fulham had taken an 11th-minute lead through Clint Dempsey and ought to have increased their advantage with Chris Kirkland making a series of fine saves just after half-time.

The Latics came closest to keeping their 100% home record intact when Paul Scharner got on the end of Emmerson Boyce's cross but his effort was held on the line by Antti Niemi.

Fulham boss Lawrie Sanchez said: "I would have thought that was about as comprehensive as you can get without actually winning a match and ultimately we were hanging on.

"Last week Tottenham should have killed us off before we ever got back into the game and we got something we shouldn't have got and plenty of plaudits for it.

"This week we should have killed Wigan off. It was the most one-sided game you are ever likely to see in the Premier League, right up to the last 10 minutes.

"Then a penalty pretty much out of nothing and we were hanging on and Scharner should have scored to win the game. It just shows you should not leave early when we're involved.

"I'm disappointed. I think Chris will be happier. It's difficult when you've played so well away from home, especially when you're a team which doesn't win much on the road."