WINGER David Fitzpatrick will miss the first eight weeks of the National League season after injuring his knee.
The former AFC Wimbledon flier was hurt in the warm-up for last weekend's pre-season match at Stockport County.
He has damaged his medial knee ligaments and, while not requiring surgery, has his leg wrapped in a support and needs complete rest.
The injury means Fitzpatrick will be out of action until the start of October, missing up to 15 league games – almost a third of the season.
AFC boss Paul Cox is disappointed to lose the 22-year-old from his immediate plans, and said: “David is out for eight weeks. He has damaged his knee ligaments. He was hurt in the warm-up to the game last Saturday.
“He's in a support around his knee. I don't think he is going to need surgery, just complete rest.
“It's not what we wanted, but we can't mope around, we just have to get on with it.”
He added: “Fitz has worked extremely hard on his fitness and sharpness, and he was looking very sharp. I feel for the lad, because in pre-season he has a shown a little glimpse of what he is capable of.
“We've got our fingers crossed there are no complications. All we can do is support the lad and try to get him back as quickly but as safely as possible.”
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