Luton Town will weigh-up late moves in the transfer market after confirmation that midfielder Shandon Baptiste has suffered a season-ending knee injury.
The 27-year-old sustained the setback during a midweek training session and has already undergone surgery after scans confirmed damage to his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
The midfielder now faces a lengthy period of rehabilitation, having previously suffered the same injury during his time at Oxford United, while injuries restricted him to just 17 appearances last term for Town.
In a statement issued before today’s 3-0 League One win at Burton Albion, manager Matt Bloomfield said in a statement on the club’s website: “We are all so sorry for Shandon. He worked tirelessly towards the end of last season to get back to fitness, and he has come through pre-season in great condition.
“We have seen so much of the quality he possesses in some of our early matches, so it is bitterly disappointing first and foremost for him and his family, but also his team-mates, staff and myself, that this has happened during training.
“Everyone is devastated for him because we know what a talent he is, and that he has faced this same situation before. The positive from that is that he knows the hard work required to get back, and he will go on that long journey with the full support of myself, the medical team and everyone at the club.”
Speaking after the victory at the Pirelli Stadium, when asked by the BBC if Baptiste’s injury might influence their business in the final 48 hours of the transfer window, Bloomfield said: “Possibly because whilst we have our plans and we’re trying to execute our plans, you have to be open to what the situation in front of you presents.
“I’m so desperately sorry and disappointed for Shands because he’s one of life’s good guys. He is such a good person, such a kind-hearted guy, works so hard, very, very diligent in terms of his professionalism.
“And yeah, my thoughts are with him right now because I know how much he cares and I feel really disappointed for him. So, yeah, more than anything, he has my thoughts right now because I know how much he cares and I feel thoroughly disappointed for him.”
Luton are expecting a busy final two days in the transfer market. Yesterday Tahith Chong’s two-year spell with Luton came to an end as he moved to Championship club Sheffield United. Reports yesterday claimed the Hatters have done a deal with Aberdeen for winger Shayden Morris, though no official announcement has been confirmed.
With Monday’s 7pm transfer deadline approaching, Bloomfield said: “There’s probably going to be more activity, in and out, you would expect. But I’ve been involved in this side of the fence [management] for three years now and you never know what’s going to happen.
“We’re certainly working hard. We’re moving on both ways, in and out behind the scenes and we’ll see what the next 48 hours brings.”
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