The 29-year-old left-back went for a scan on a back problem last week and the results have confirmed the fracture which requires long-term rest.

Howard has had a disjointed start to the campaign after he suffered a hamstring injury during pre-season, and only recently returned to action in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy defeat against Oldham.

Shrimps physio Dave Edge told the club's official website: "Although you can never be certain how long a player will be out it would be fair to say that Michael is looking at next year before being ready for the first team."

Captain Jim Bentley added: "It's a huge blow for Michael. He has been complaining of a bad back for quite a while and we hope the treatment is successful."