Stockport County centre-half Brad Hills is likely to be absent for most of 2026 after suffering an ACL injury.
The 22-year-old has enjoyed an excellent first full campaign at Edgeley Park since completing his permanent move from Norwich City in the summer.
But he was substituted just five minutes into the second period in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off against Luton Town, with the Hatters confirming that he will be out ‘for the foreseeable future.’
Joseph Olowu was his replacement, but could it present an opportunity for Arttu Hoskonen to force his way into first-team contention?
The Finnish international arrived from Polish top-flight outfit Cracovia, following previous experience in his home country at Inter Turku. He began the campaign with ‘a little injury,’ according to Dave Challinor, but that’s when his injury nightmare began. His expected return date then became mid-October, before the FA Cup 2nd Round weekend was targeted as his first Hatters appearance.
Hoskonen suffered another setback early in December, but it was thought that it would be weeks, rather than months, before he was available. January rolled around, and it was hoped he might be available at the end of the winter transfer window. The 28-year-old was spotted at County’s League One clash against Huddersfield Town, in which ex-imp Kyle Wootton was credited with giving them a last-gasp victory. Finally, on 21st February, there was some sort of breakthrough for the defender.
Challinor said he could have been involved in the matchday squad for another dramatic victory against Wigan Athletic. His long-awaited Hatters debut came with the U21s side, playing 34 minutes against Burnley U21s in the Premier League Cup. Speaking after that appearance, Hoskonen laid out his aspirations for the remainder of the season.
“It was nice to get minutes. There’s starting to be light at the end of the tunnel. I believe I’ll be in the first team squad soon. I’m sure I’ll get to play before the end of the season.”
Those hopes may have been fast-tracked, with Hills now out for the rest of the campaign and beyond.
Can Stockport Cling On To Their Play-Off Place?
Mathematically speaking, Stockport can still gain automatic promotion from League One. Their clash against AFC Wimbledon this weekend is one that Lincoln City supporters will be keeping a keen eye on, given its potential implications in determining when the Imps can win promotion. The Hatters gave a strong account of themselves at Sincil Bank earlier this month, and can feel hard done by to walk away with nothing.
That was a third successive league defeat, ending that particular weekend outside the top six places. However, four points from six against Northampton Town and Luton Town have seen Challinor’s side move up to fifth position. With several of their play-off rivals not featuring this weekend, three points against the Dons would give them some much-needed breathing room.
Once their two Easter fixtures against Wycombe Wanderers and Bolton Wanderers are out of the way, the Hatters have a favourable run-in, on paper at least. That includes a Wembley date with Luton, a venue they will be hoping to return to in two months’ time.