Bad break for Barker.
Young Oxford star Ben Barker suffered a multiple fracture to his thigh and leg, after crashing during the Academy's match at Stoke last night.
17-year-old Barker clashed with Stoke's Kriss Irving entering the first bend of Heat 8, and took a crunching fall into the Stoke safety fence. Barker was whisked off to hospital, where the extent of his injuries were revealed. He is likely to be in hospital in Stoke for at least 10 days, where he is likely to face two operations.
Young Oxford star Ben Barker suffered a multiple fracture to his thigh and leg, after crashing during the Academy's match at Stoke last night.
17-year-old Barker clashed with Stoke's Kriss Irving entering the first bend of Heat 8, and took a crunching fall into the Stoke safety fence. Barker was whisked off to hospital, where the extent of his injuries were revealed. He is likely to be in hospital in Stoke for at least 10 days, where he is likely to face two operations.
Prior to Barker's accident, Oxford looked capable of ending Stoke's 100% home league record. However, Barker's absence proved costly in the latter stages, and the Academy slipped to only their second defeat in eight away league matches.
A collection for Barker will be held during tonight's meeting at Oxford, a double-header with the Academy entertaining Rye House and Scunthorpe, with the action getting underway promptly at 7.00pm. Double victory will take Oxford to the top of the Conference League table. Fans also have a chance of watching the World Cup Race-Off, which will be shown on the large screen in the downstairs bar, commencing at 6.00pm. Squad member Jason Newitt is likely to cover for Barker.
