Former Hearts star to miss 'majority' of this season after summer transfer as he suffers serious knee injury
The former Hearts defender has suffered a serious injury at his new club.
Frankie Kent has suffered an ACL injury as the former Hearts centre-back is set to miss most of this season at new club Oxford United.
The defender left Hearts at the end of his contract earlier this summer after a three-year stint in Gorgie. Kent was already facing uncertainty after signing a contract with the side relegated out of the English Championship and into League One after it emerged they will not be able to register new players.
Oxford are not compliant with the EFL's salary cost management protocol (SCMP) regulations, which set limits on the proportion of a club's turnover that can be spent on player-related costs. Club manager and former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey moved to sign Kent, but on top of the registration woe, now faces life without the former Hearts defender for most of this season.
What injury has Frankie Kent suffered at Oxford United?
A statement from the League One side rads: “Oxford United can confirm that Frankie Kent has undergone successful surgery after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Kent sustained the injury during a training session and is expected to miss the majority of the 2026/27 season.
“The defender joined the Club this summer following three years with Heart of Midlothian. He will now begin the rehabilitation phase of his recovery under the care of the Club's medical staff. Everyone at Oxford United wishes Frankie a full and speedy recovery, and the entire Club will support him every step of the way.”
Speaking on the situation at Oxford, chairman Dusan Bogdanovic said: “First and foremost, I want to sincerely apologise for the uncertainty and concern that recent news regarding our registration embargo has caused. I am acutely aware of the trust that has been placed in the shareholders and the Board, and that developments of this nature can lead to the relationship we have with you being called into question.
Oxford chairman on signing embargo
“It is important to me, and to everyone involved with Oxford United, that our supporters hear directly and clearly from us about our commitment to the Club's future, something I know many of you feel has not been forthcoming recently. To be absolutely clear, our shareholders remain fully committed to the Club and will continue to provide the funding and support that they have consistently given throughout their ownership. That commitment has not changed.
“They are invested, both financially and emotionally, in Oxford United’s long-term success, and recognise the responsibility that comes with being custodians of this great Club. Over the last few seasons, we had to rapidly adjust to the realities of competing in a higher division and the increase in funding that required. Despite our best efforts, we were unable to retain our Championship status and are now working through the challenges that higher costs, reduced revenues and new financial rules present.
“We are sometimes required to make difficult decisions in the short term. Those decisions are never taken lightly and, understandably, may not always be popular. However, our responsibility is to ensure we protect the long-term interests and sustainability of the Club. We will always act in a way that we believe safeguards Oxford United's future and gives the Club the best possible platform for success. There is every reason for optimism. We have an outstanding Head Coach, a strong and talented squad, an incredible supporter base that continues to back the Club, and shareholders who have demonstrated time and again their commitment to Oxford United.”