By Matt Storey
Preston defender Calum Woods is expected to miss the entire 2016-2017 season after injuring his knee ligaments on Tuesday night.
Woods picked up the injury during the first half of the Lilywhites pre-season friendly at Oldham and manager Simon Grayson was disappointed to be missing one of last seasons consistent performers.
Grayson told the club website: “It's a big blow for him, I am really gutted for him because he was one of the outstanding performers especially in the second half of last season.”
“He's done his medial ligament, but he's also done his cruciate ligament which is going to rule him out for about nine months unfortunately. “
“These things do happen in football and what Calum will do is he will work hard and come back even stronger and fitter.
Woods made 35 appearances last year as Preston finished 11th in their first season back in the Championship, he was also part of the squad that won the League One play-offs the year before.
Grayson has seen a number of his players pick up long-term injuries in recent years and he is hopeful that the experience of others will help Woods recovery.
“It's going to be a difficult road for him,” explained the manager.
“We have suffered quite a few long terms injuries really and I think the lads will get experience from other players and talk to them.
“When they see any signs of them being a bit down the lads who have been through that will gather round Calum.”
Woods signed a new contract in November, keeping him at Deepdale until the end of the 2017-2018 season and Grayson expects him to force his way back into the Preston side when he does return.
