PLAYMAKING midfield Steven Alzate has been ruled out for at least three months by Swindon Town manager Richie Wellens after he was diagnosed with a stress fracture to his back.

Alzate, 20, last appeared for Swindon during the club’s 0-0 draw against Cheltenham Town where he came on as a late second half substitute for Michael Doughty.

However, he has since been diagnosed with a stress fracture to his back – ruling him out of action for three to four months.

The news came as a bitter blow to Swindon manager Richie Wellens, who today watched in disbelief as Town slumped to a two-goal loss against promotion chasing Exeter City at the County Ground.

Wellens said: “Steven (Alzate) has got a stress fracture to his back.

“Fair play to him, he tried to train and he tried to carry on.

“He is a good player, and he will go onto have a good career because he wants to learn and listen, and he’s got good ability.

“We’re gutted. He will be out for three or four months.

“We’ll look to try and replace him.”