Leeds United midfielder Lewis Bate looks to have avoided a serious injury while out on loan at Oxford United.
The 19-year-old came off at around the hour mark in Oxford's recent Papa John's Trophy clash with Chelsea's Under 21s after he was subjected to a robust challenge.
Following the game, which the U's lost 2-1, Bate came to training on crutches with a protective boot on, leaving Oxford fearing the worst.
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This season has seen Bate, who left Leeds to join Karl Robinson's side for a spell in League One this summer, play plenty of minutes for Oxford to date.
The midfielder has made 11 appearances across all competitions this term for Robinson and co, who believe they have dodged a bullet when it comes to how long Bate could be sidelined for.
"Lewis came in the next day on crutches and wearing a protective boot and you fear the worst," explained Oxford boss Robinson.
"But he went for an X-Ray and that showed no break or fracture. We then got him booked for an MRI scan just as a precaution and to make sure there were no surprises. That came back clear as well and that is really good news for us and for Lewis.
"There is still a lot of bruising and it remains very uncomfortable so we won’t take any risks and will take it day by day. But if all goes to plan then he is going to be back a lot quicker than we thought when it first happened."
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