Chester FC have been dealt a big injury blow after learning defender Matty Williams is out for the rest of the 2024/25 season.

The 24-year-old was stretchered off moments into the Blues' 1-0 National League North home win against South Shields on Saturday, September 7, and fans have been waiting for news on the popular player's condition.

Now the club have confirmed that, sadly, Matty Williams sustained a serious knee injury which will require an operation.

In a club statement, the Blues said: "Everyone at Chester FC is distraught for Matty and will be supporting him in every way we possibly can - details of how supporters can also get involved will be published in due course."

Manager Calum McIntyre said: “First and foremost, we are all absolutely devastated for Matty.

“As much as I am gutted to lose an important player for us, that disappointment is outmatched by the disappointment I feel for Matty, knowing how hard this injury will have hit him.

“He has been a really important part of what we have done in recent seasons and is someone I really think a lot of.

“It is important we support Matty through this because he is one of us and that’s who we are as people and that’s the culture this club will have at its heart whilst I am the manager.

“He is a tough lad and has handled this setback brilliantly whilst being obviously devastated by the news.

“Finally, I would ask that Matty’s privacy is respected around any further details at this time.

“We will communicate further information as and when we have it, but I hope this update is useful and sufficient for our supporters.”

The central defender is one of the longest-serving players in the current squad. During his time at the club, Matty Williams has made a total of 130 appearances, scoring eight goals.

The Blues are next in action in the third qualifying round of the FA Cup, away to Stockton Town on Saturday, September 28.