Defender Calum Woods has been ruled out for the 2016/17 campaign after a serious knee injury suffered against Oldham Athletic.
Woods picked up the injury in the first half of the pre-season friendly against the Latics and has been ruled out for approximately nine months.
Scans confirmed the versatile defender had suffered damage to both his medial and cruciate ligaments in his right knee.
Manager Simon Grayson was hugely disappointed for a player who has performed consistently for him during his time at Deepdale so far.
"We are obviously disappointed for the player and us as a football club. He's done his medial ligament, but he's also done his cruciate ligament which is going to rule him our for about nine months unfortunately.
"It's a big blow for him, I am really gutted for him because he was one of the outstanding performers especially in the second half of last season. He's so versatile and gives everything and that was probably his downfall the other night. He gave everything in the tackle when he probably should have pulled out a little bit, but you can't take that out of players.
"We are absolutely devastated for him, the lads are gutted for him as well. These things do happen in football and what Calum will do is he will work hard and come back even stronger and fitter.
"He will have good help from people like Matt Jackson and his staff to be prepared for when he comes back. As it stands at this moment in time it's a big blow for us because he's been a consistent performer for us."
The gaffer is hoping that the closeness within the squad and the fact that a number of players have suffered long term injuries in the past few years will be beneficial to Calum in his recovery.
"It's going to be a difficult road for him, we have suffered quite a few long terms injuries really and I think the lads will get experience from other players and talk to them. When they see any signs of them being a bit down the lads who have been through that will gather round Calum.
"It's hugely disappointing but he will be given the best opportunity to come back fitter and stronger and back into the team whenever the right time is."