WYCOMBE Wanderers defender Anthony Stewart has been ruled out for four months with a knee injury.

He sustained the damage in the Capital One Cup clash with Fulham earlier this month and a scan has revealed the full extent of the damage with Blues not expecting him back until Christmas.

Manager Gareth Ainsworth said: “It’s a big blow to lose someone of Anthony’s quality for such a long period of time, particularly as he’d performed so well for us throughout pre-season and in the first two games.

“Any injury will stretch a small squad like ours but we know we have a first-class medical team who will ensure Anthony goes through the best possible rehab programme to get him back to full fitness.”

Fellow defender Danny Rowe is close to returning to the side though following the groin injury he picked up in the 2-0 win at Barnet.