BURY'S Indian international skipper Baichung Bhutia is out for the season.
That's the shock news from Gigg Lane after the Shakers striker discovered he will need a further operation on his troublesome knee injury.
Bhutia looked to be on the comeback trail two weeks ago when he scored from the penalty spot in the reserves 3-1 victory over Huddersfield Town.
However, he suffered a reaction, and further tests confirmed the bad news that he will be out of action for about five months.
"It's a massive blow for us," said Bury boss Andy Preece. "To lose him, Matt Barrass and Chris Billy with similar injuries is awful luck.
"All three of them started the season in the first team and Baichung was going to be a big part of the team this season playing in a withdrawn role with Jon Newby."
The news is bound to raise doubts about whether the talented Indian will be seen in a Shakers shirt again as his contract with the Gigg Lane club is up at the end of the season.
But there's better news from the other Asian star in the Shakers firmament with on-loan winger Harpal Singh given the green light to join Bury's FA Cup campaign.
His club, Leeds United, have granted the Shakers permission to play him against Lincoln City in the first round next Saturday and that's a big boost for Preece.
Preece has contacted his opposite number at Elland Road, David O'Leary, regarding extending the tricky frontman's stay at Gigg and they were happy for him to turn out in the cup despite making him ineligible for Leeds.
The Bury boss is hopeful of further extending the stay of Singh and will be keeping in touch with the Elland Road management over the next few days.
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