"I know exactly how both of them are feeling," he told the club's official site. "I heard the manager say over the weekend that he'd have preferred to lose the game and keep the two players fit, and I think that's how everyone at the club feels. I'm gutted for them.
"They are friends as well as team-mates and we want them back as soon as possible. I know that all the players here will do their best to keep their spirits up and make sure they don't get too down or frustrated. It's a long road for them, but they'll get there."