Preston North End boss Paul Heckingbottom has ruled defender Pol Valentin out of action for "weeks rather than days" after he limped off during the first half of Saturday's goalless draw with Bristol City.

Valentin had featured in all of Preston's opening seven Championship matches this season before missing Tuesday's 2-2 draw at Hull City with a hamstring injury.

Now, Heckingbottom has confirmed Valentin will be unavailable for the foreseeable fixture list as he prepares for Saturday's clash against an in-form Charlton Athletic (15:00 BST), unbeaten in their last four outings.

"Pol will still be out. He's getting a bit of treatment now - we'll know a lot more where he is after the international break," Heckingbottom told BBC Radio Lancashire.

Listen to the full interview and more about Preston North End on BBC Sounds.