Chesterfield have been dealt a major injury blow with the news that Aaron Downes faces up to nine months out with a knee problem.
The 23-year-old defender was forced off midway through the first half of the Spireites' goalless home draw against Darlington last weekend.
Blues boss Lee Richardson said: "We had hoped the injury would not be so serious so we are all very disappointed for Aaron as he was having such a great season."
A scan has revealed that the Australia international has ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament, which requires surgery and a lengthy period of rehabilitation.
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