Alessandra out for start of season

Athletic have received a real blow with the news that striker Lewis Alessandra will be out of action for approximately eight weeks. Alessandra has a broken metatarsal bone in his foot, picked up in the 2-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday.

The 18 year old has made four appearances as substitute in pre-season friendlies and has really impressed. The news that he will be out until October is a bitter pill to swallow.