Leeds United loanee Lewis Bate is set to miss the rest of the season for Oxford United with a hand injury.
Bate joined the U's on loan from Elland Road in the summer and registered one goal and four assists in 35 appearances across all competitions.
The 20-year-old has not played since he was replaced during a 3-2 home defeat against Derby County on March 11, and Bate has since undergone an operation on a broken bone in his hand.
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"Just wanted to say a big thank you to the players, staff and the fans for this season. I wish the club and everyone associated all the very best for the future," Bate posted on his official Twitter account.
Oxford boss Liam Manning added: “It’s unfortunate but unavoidable. The nature of the injury just means we can’t risk him playing right now. He wanted to play on but we can’t delay it or it could lead to long-term issues and that is too great a risk so he is going to have to sit the matches out for the foreseeable future.
"Lewis is gutted but he is a very talented player and has a very bright future ahead of him; Oxford fans have seen that this season and like us will be wishing him a speedy recovery."
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