Brad Hills, a 22-year-old defender for stockport fc, has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury. The injury occurred moments after half-time in Stockport’s 1-1 draw with Luton Town on Saturday. The club says the setback rules him out “for the foreseeable future, ” a significant blow to a side sitting fifth in League One.
Stockport Fc defensive options: Olowu, Hoskonen
Hills has started 27 of Stockport’s 37 league matches, making his absence immediately consequential for the team’s promotion push. He completed a permanent move from his hometown club, Norwich City, after a loan spell that began in February 2025. Hills was substituted five minutes into the second period against Luton Town and Joseph Olowu came on as his replacement.
Arttu Hoskonen, a Finnish international centre-half who arrived from Polish top-flight side Cracovia and previously played for Inter Turku, is now a candidate to press for first-team minutes. Hoskonen’s path to regular selection has been interrupted by injuries earlier in the campaign; manager Dave Challinor, manager, Stockport County, described that early problem as “a little injury. ” Hoskonen returned to match action with the club’s U21s, making a 34-minute appearance on 21 February in the Premier League Cup against Burnley U21s.
Immediate reactions
Club medical communications have said Hills will be sidelined “for the foreseeable future, ” with no timescale provided. Dave Challinor, manager, Stockport County, has already referenced Hoskonen’s earlier fitness issues while indicating the squad will need to adapt. Joseph Olowu, defender, Stockport County, who finished the match against Luton, stands as the first short-term deputy.
Arttu Hoskonen, defender, Stockport County, commented on his comeback at U21 level: “It was nice to get minutes. There’s starting to be light at the end of the tunnel. I believe I’ll be in the first team squad soon. I’m sure I’ll get to play before the end of the season. ” That statement frames both a personal aim and a practical option for the manager as Hills recovers.
Quick context and what’s next
Stockport County lie fifth in League One and retain a mathematical route to automatic promotion; their schedule includes a home match against AFC Wimbledon at Edgeley Park on Saturday at 11: 00 ET. The club will provide medical updates on Hills when available, while team selection for the Wimbledon game will reveal whether Olowu continues as starter or Hoskonen is fast-tracked into the first-team squad.
For now, stockport fc faces a short-term defensive reshuffle and a longer-term absence in their backline. Expect match-day squad announcements, formal medical bulletins, and managerial team-selection decisions over the coming days as the club balances immediate results with Hills’s recovery timeline.
