Ricky Ravenhill has been ruled out of Bradford City's season until November at the earliest.

Scan results from the skipper's knee injury suffered at Guiseley showed a damaged medial ligament.

It is similar to the problem which grounded David Syers last year - and Ravenhill faces at least three months on the sidelines.

Gutted Phil Parkinson said: "It's a strange one because he isn't in a great deal of pain. But there is some looseness in the joint which the specialist is worried about.

"He is going to have to go in a protective knee brace for around four weeks initially to help stabilise the joint.

"It's something we have to take on the chin and move on from. It's a big blow for him and it's a big blow for us because Ricky is a key player.

"He is a key character around the dressing room and there's no doubt that we will miss him. But unfortunately we have to move on and get used to being without him for the next few months."

Ravenhill was expected to take the skipper's armband for the new campaign. Now it could go to former Rochdale captain Gary Jones.