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

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 told the club website.

"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.