Torquay United striker Cody Cooke will be out until at least December after suffering a pelvic injury.
The 32-year-old will be sidelined for a minimum of six weeks after having a scan on the problem that forced him out of Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Dagenham & Redbridge.
Cooke has scored three goals in 10 National League South appearances for the Gulls this season.
“It’s probably an overuse injury,” Wotton told BBC Sport.
“It’s coincided with other players being injured. We’ve had to use him for too many minutes, unfortunately, and he’s broken down.
“He’s been an unbelievable player for me and for the football club.
“It’s a big loss. It just feels like you’re just getting your head above water and someone comes and puts their foot on it and sticks you back under.
“It’s a horrible side of football, but he’s going to be a big loss, he’s a very influential player for us.”
Cooke’s absence comes as the Gulls try to get striker Sonny Fish fit for the first time this season.
The former Leyton Orient and Crawley Town striker has not played since agreeing a two-year deal in the summer, after injuring a knee in pre-season.
“He trained fully for the first time on Tuesday, he’s trained again today, but he hasn’t played for a long time, so don’t put too much pressure on him, but he is fit,” added Wotton.
“When he’ll be involved back in the team again, it’s ‘how long’s a piece of string?’ really.
“We’ve got to be careful with him, and because Cody’s now injured it puts more emphasis on Sonny, but he’ll be back when he’s back.
“But he’s trained fully this week and he’s looking very, very good.”
