Chesterfield central defender Aaron Downes will be out for up to nine months with a serious knee injury after a scan revealed he has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture picked up in the last home game against Darlington. 

He is to have an operation which will be followed by a lengthy period of rehabilitation.

Chesterfield manager 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."