Lewis Bate has been ruled out for the rest of the season after the on-loan Leeds United midfielder broke a bone in his hand during Oxford United’s 3-2 loss to Derby earlier this month. That is, despite playing since, on Saturday.
Bate, 20, has arguably been one of the best loans the club have sanctioned this season. Bate has played 35 times for League One side Oxford, having a hand in five goals. Of those 35, he has started 30 and completed 13 games.
Having broken into the Leeds side last season towards the end of the campaign, he has every chance of returning to Leeds this summer and becoming a key player. But now, he will have to wait a few months to play again after injury.
The midfielder broke a bone in his hand earlier this month – a 3-2 loss to Derby. It saw him come off on 77 minutes and then on Saturday, a draw with Morecambe, he was only used in injury time. He has now gone under the knife.
The operation means Bate will be unable to add to his 35 games this season – which would have surely seen him clock up nearly 50 outings this term. Oxford manager Liam Manning has said that Bate is “gutted” at the injury.
“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,” Manning said, as quoted by BBC Sport.
On-loan Leeds midfielder Lewis Bate ruled out for rest of the season
Bate has certainly impressed on loan at Oxford. Joining Leeds for £1.5million in the summer of 2021 from Chelsea, Bate has made his mark. Clocking up 23 games for our 21’s and then four for the first team, he went out on loan.
Known for his technical abilities and even having the knack of laying on an assist or scoring, Bate certainly has a future at the top level. His loan at Oxford is proof he can make an impact at Elland Road. He has a deal until 2024.
