Express & Star

Double leg break confirmed for Walsall's Kory Roberts

Walsall's Kory Roberts looks set to miss the entire 2018/19 campaign after it was confirmed he has suffered a double leg break.

Published

The defender broke both the fibula and tibia bones following a collision with Ryan Sweeney as the Saddlers took on Stoke in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.

Roberts received oxygen treatment on the pitch and was rushed to hospital where he was later visited by manager Dean Keates and striker Ama Bakayoko.

Speaking after the game, Keates said the injury would likely rule the 20-year-old out for the season.

And now club physio Marc Czuczman – who followed Roberts to hospital – has confirmed the injury is as bad as first feared.

He said: "The x-ray confirmed a double fracture, both tibia and fibula.

"Kory handled the whole situation amazingly and, despite being uncomfortable, was in good spirits at the hospital.

"He always has a smile on his face and even in this situation was still laughing despite all that what was going on around him.

"I just want to thank everyone involved for what was a successful and controlled evacuation from the pitch.

"The Stoke City staff were amazingly generous with their assistance and expertise.

"Our paramedic Gemma from WMAS (West Midlands Ambulance Service) was on hand with the oxygen and pain relief.

"The stretcher bearer team were stable and controlled as ever and the SJA (St John Ambulance) team mobilised their ambulance and transferred him to hospital. Great team effort."