Leeds United loanee Lewis Bate ruled out for rest of season at Oxford United
Leeds United loanee Lewis Bate has undergone “season-ending hand surgery,” with his absence set to be a “worry” for Oxford United boss Liam Manning, according to the Oxford Mail.
Bate joined the League One club on a season-long loan in August and has been a regular in central midfield, making 35 appearances in all competitions.
But the 20-year-old broke a bone in his hand in the league meeting with Derby County earlier this month, and is now expected to miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery.
The Oxford Mail noted that Bate’s “season-ending hand surgery” will be a “worry” for Manning. The manager meanwhile has told the official Oxford United website: “It’s unfortunate but unavoidable. The nature of the injury just means we can’t risk him playing right now.
“He wanted to play on but we can’t delay it or it could lead to long-term issues and that is too great a risk so he is going to have to sit the matches out for the foreseeable future.
“Lewis is gutted but he is a very talented player and has a very bright future ahead of him; Oxford fans have seen that this season and like us will be wishing him a speedy recovery.”
Gutting news
Bate, Manning and all of those associated with Oxford United will be devastated by this injury news.
Even the player’s parent club Leeds will be frustrated, with their youngster having been in fine form amid a successful loan spell ahead of a potential return to the first team.
It remains to be seen what will happen with Bate at the end of the season, but his absence will certainly be felt by the League One side in their fight to stay in the division.
Despite his age, Bate had been heavily relied upon by Oxford boss Manning, with the youngster making 28 league appearances, as well as featuring in various cup competitions.
As the manager mentioned, there is a bright future ahead for the midfielder, with the decision to keep him away from the pitch for the remainder of the campaign certainly a sensible one in order not to aggravate the injury.
In other Leeds United news, three players could be set for an exit from Elland Road at the end of the season.