Cheltenham Town defender Lewis Freestone will be out for three months as he requires surgery on the meniscus injury he picked up on New Year’s Day
The 23-year-old picked up the injury against Bristol Rovers when his leg gave way in slippery conditions.
He was then stretchered off and has since missed the last two games. Tom Bradbury has stepped in his place, but has struggled to adapt and has looked a shaky in defence so far.
Bradbury joined from National League side Halifax in the summer and made his debut in the 7-0 loss to Exeter in August.
Since the move he has since played very little football, with Freestone, Caleb Taylor and captain Sean Long being the usual back three.
Freestone had been one of Cheltenham’s most consistent performers this season, nailing down a place after Will Boyle left to re-join Huddersfield.
Wade Elliot’s men have one of the strongest defences in the league, conceding 27 in 24 games, but that record could become strained if reinforcements aren’t brought in.
Elliot gave an update on Freestone earlier today: “There was two options, he could either have his meniscus taken out, or he could have it repaired.”
“If he had it taken out, he would be back sooner, but the best option for him long term is to have it repaired.”
The former Bristol City and Forest Green man also noted that they will have to be cautious to ensure he doesn’t cause serious damage:
“We’ve got to make sure Lewis takes his time with it, there’s no timeframe with it, there’s no pressure on him to come back straight away.”
Bradbury also feels like he isn’t under that much pressure and that has made sure that he was prepared for the opportunity:
“Before Saturday it was a few months since I last played a full 90 minutes, but Wade and the coaching staff set up little games between those that aren’t playing and that has helped.”
On the Freestone injury: “It’s unfortunate but luckily we have some really good defenders at the club, part of the reason I haven’t played much is down to that.”
Bradbury will be looking to start once more when Cheltenham to take on Derby County tomorrow at a sold out Completely-Suzuki Stadium
