Cheltenham Town wing-back Arkell Jude-Boyd injury update: No surgery required, recovery time cut to three months
Arkell Jude-Boyd will not require surgery on his hamstring, reducing his time on the sidelines from four months to around three.
The Cheltenham Town wing-back suffered the injury in the process of scoring his first EFL goal to earn a 1-1 draw at Chesterfield last Saturday.
While the news is still a blow for boss Michael Flynn, who has already lost Ryan Haynes and Harry Pell to long-term injuries, it could have been worse.
"We thought it would need operating on, but fortunately it doesn't, so Arkell is likely to be out for three months," Flynn said.
"It's another kick in the stomach losing him and that's starting players out long-term now, which makes it tough, but we have to get on with it and deal with it."
Jude-Boyd joined Cheltenham from QPR this summer after a loan spell with Torquay United in National League South last season.
He has since made his international debut for St Lucia, scoring in a 2-1 against Curaçao in Grenada.
"We are starting to see he has a bright future," Flynn said.
"He's upbeat and a smashing kid, so he knows what he needs to do in terms of working hard in his rehab to get back in tip-top shape. His attitude his first-class, so I have no doubt he'll come back even stronger."
Lewis Payne, on loan from Southampton, is expected to start at right wing-back against Fleetwood Town on Saturday afternoon in Jude-Boyd's absence.
"While he's out, whoever gets opportunity has to stake their claim," Flynn said.
"It’s tough replacing Arkell because of his speed, not many others have that in the squad, but they might have different strengths."
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