Sittingbourne midfielder Jean-Baptiste Fischer ruled out for the season with fresh ACL knee injury

Sittingbourne midfielder Jean-Baptiste Fischer has suffered a season-ending knee injury for the second time in three years.

Frenchman Fischer is facing a lengthy spell out after tearing his ACL.

It happened during the Brickies’ FA Cup first qualifying round tie against AFC Greenwich Borough almost a fortnight ago, with a scan confirming the worst.

It’s rotten luck for the former PSG youth-team player, a key part of manager Reece Prestedge’s squad, both for his quality on the ball and versatility, having started the season at right-back.

“JB’s out for the season,” said Prestedge. “He’s done his ACL again.

“He’s going to be a big miss throughout the season.

“It’s unfortunate for him and it’s the same knee as well.

“It wasn’t from a tackle, it was just where he planted his foot into the ground. We hope he has a speedy recovery.

“He’s walking on it, so that’s a good sign, but the MRI scan has come back showing a complete tear.

“He’s got to be mentally strong and try and get back as soon as he can.”

Sittingbourne are considering potential replacements, with Prestedge adding: “We’re having a look. We’ve got a few options, maybe, so we’ll see how they pan out.”

Harvey Smith scored a sixth-minute penalty as Sittingbourne kept their first clean sheet of the season in a 1-0 win at Punjab United on Saturday.

It was a welcome shut-out after blowing 3-0 and 3-1 leads in FA Trophy and FA Cup exits against Aylesbury and Greenwich respectively over the past couple of weeks.

Victory maintained their unbeaten start in Isthmian South East and moved them second, behind leaders Broadbridge Heath on goal difference, after four wins and a draw in five matches.

“It’s what I asked for,” said Prestedge, whose side host Peacehaven & Telscome this