ON-LOAN York City defender Stephane Zubar is set to be sidelined for the rest of the season having suffered cruciate ligament damage.

Zubar picked up the injury during the Minstermen's 0-0 draw at Exeter last weekend and has returned to parent club Bournemouth to receive treatment.

City chief Russ Wilcox had intended to extend the Guadeloupe international's stay at Bootham Crescent beyond the initial one-month agreement agreed with the Premier League Cherries, having also valued the role he played during his previous loan spell in North Yorkshire last season.

Wilcox said: "Stephane has damaged both his cruciate and medial ligaments, which is a massive blow for him. It will put him out for between six and nine months, but he's been there before with his other cruciate so he knows what's required and he's a fantastic professional and a great person who will bounce back again because he's still only in his twenties.

"We know what a great job he did helping us push up the table last season. Loan signings can sometimes come in for some criticism but he put his heart and soul into the club.

"It was good to get him back this season and it's a shame that will end now. We were having talks to extend his loan but we can't do that now and he probably won't play again this season."