Dale's Reece Gray suffers horrific injury

Dale's Reece Gray suffered an horrific injury in a behind closed doors friendly against Liverpool.

The Dale youngster was rushed to A & E where it was confirmed the 19-year-old suffered a dislocated ankle, a fractured tibula and a snapped medial ligament.

It is understood Gray will require surgery and is out for the rest of the year.

Dale physio Andy Thorpe told the official Rochdale AFC website: “He was taken straight to hospital where he had an x-ray and had his leg put in plaster. He’ll require surgery due to the nature of the fracture, and we expect this to take place later in the week.

"After the operation Reece will spend around two months in plaster before starting the rehabilitation process. At the moment it is looking likely that he'll be sidelined for up to six months."

The severe injury, caused by an awkward fall, is a huge blow to Gray and Rochdale boss John Coleman; with it likely the talented striker will be out-of-play for the majority of what could have been his breakthrough season.

Gray was quick to dismiss the fracture was caused through foul play, Tweeting after the accident: "Just like to reassure everyone that it was not Charlie Adams or any other player that caused my injury, was just a freak accident."

Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam also added to the overwhelming support for Gray, saying: "Just like to wish Reece gray of Rochdale FC a speedy recovery after his serious ankle injury today in the game. Hope he back soon."

Reece Gray updated concerned fans earlier today (6 August): ‘Had some good news off the doc, going in for my op on Wednesday hopefully, then he reckons I could be back within 5 months, that’s minimum though."