On-loan Norwich striker Harry Kane faces at least a month out with the ankle injury he suffered in the Capital One Cup win over Doncaster.
Kane, on loan from Tottenham, damaged his ankle and is also understood to have broken a metatarsal, although the full extent of the injury was still being assessed on Thursday afternoon.
Hughton, however, is resigned to losing him for a lengthy period at a time when his team have struggled to score goals in the Premier League.
Hughton said: "It was so innocuous because there was no contact. It is a shame. We know he went over on his ankle. He is being assessed. He will certainly be out for a period of weeks, a month-plus rather than short of that. It is disappointing for us.
"He will be a big loss because he is a young player of fabulous potential. It was a big move for Harry to come here, an exciting move. I feel for him at the moment."
Kane had impressed as substitute in the Premier League match against West Ham and would have been in line to play some part against Liverpool at Carrow Road this weekend.
Hughton added: "It is a real disappointment, especially when he was just up and going. He has settled in very well. We just hope it is a shorter period out rather than a longer one."
Kane's injury reduces Hughton's options up front for a Norwich team who still have to record their first league win after scoring just two goals from their four games in the Premier League this season.
Hughton is aware of the problem but admits he has been delighted with Norwich's overall play since they lost their opening league match 5-0 to Fulham.
He said: "I have been happy with the performances, we just haven't had the goals. We know we have to improve."
Looking ahead to Saturday's tussle with Liverpool, Hughton said: "Both teams are in need of points but both would be reasonably pleased with the performance of the teams so far.
"It is a very demanding and unforgiving league and you have to score goals at vital times.
"Fortune has gone against us a little bit. Penalties have gone against us. The deflected goal and the own goals haven't gone our way but you have to make your own luck. But if we keep doing things the right way things will turn."
Hughton also saw a bonus in the form of Alexander Tettey, the Ghana-born Norwegian midfielder who scored the only goal against Doncaster.
Hughton said: "I was really pleased for him and with his application. It was his first 90 minutes. The goal was a bonus. We knew he could break from midfield even though internationally he was a defensive player in midfield.
"But we knew he was an all-rounder. He is a high-energy player who can play a couple of roles in midfield. If you want him to do that holding role he can but with his energy he can also break forward."
Hughton believes Tettey will be a star in the Premier League.
"He has played at good levels," said Hughton. "He is an international player who played in the top league in France which is good quality. I have no doubts he is ready."
