Ed Francis: Gateshead midfielder out for 'foreseeable future' with fractured skull

Ed Francis (left) played 43 games for Notts County before joining Gateshead on a two-year contract last summer

Gateshead midfielder Ed Francis will be out for the "foreseeable future" after suffering a fractured skull.

The 24-year-old was taken to hospital after a first-half collision in Monday's National League loss at York.

The ex-England Under-19 international was discharged on Tuesday.

A club statement said: "He will unfortunately be unavailable for the immediate future and will be supported by the club where possible during his recovery."

The Manchester City academy product spent time at Wolves, and had loan spells in the Netherlands and Switzerland, before a 20-game stint at Harrogate preceded a move to Notts County.

After a successful 14-game loan spell at Gateshead last season he made a permanent switch from Meadow Lane in the summer.