Stone injury blow for Leeds

Leeds have been rocked by the news experienced midfielder Steve Stone will miss up to three months with an Achilles injury.

The summer signing from Portsmouth picked up the problem three weeks ago during pre-season training but was hoping to only miss a small part of the season.

However, the problem has not responded to treatment and the former England international, 33, must now undergo an operation.

Manager Keith Blackwell told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “We could have waited and waited, but with an operation we know where we are going, and Stoney will be out for between eight and 12 weeks.

“It’s a massive blow to us and Steve is really disappointed, but there’s nothing we can do about it.”