Macauley Southam-Hales: Stockport defender out for six to nine months with patella tendon injury

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Macauley Southam-Hales will be out for up to nine months with the injury

Defender Macauley Southam-Hales will miss the remainder of Stockport County's League Two season after he ruptured his patella tendon in last weekend's draw with Harrogate Town.

The 28-year-old had played 24 games for the Hatters this season and is expected to be out for six to nine months.

Southam-Hales has scored two goals in 99 games for Stockport since switching from Fleetwood in the autumn of 2020.

"As you'd expect he's upset," boss Dave Challinor

"But this is a good environment for him.

"We'll all get around him - players, staff and supporters included - and make sure that he has the opportunity to come back better and stronger than he is currently.

"But it's a long road ahead and he'll need lots of support."

The Welsh full-back began his career with Cardiff, and has played for Barry Town, Penybont, and Hartlepool as well as his time at Fleetwood.