The 30-year-old signed for the U’s three weeks ago, but is set to spend the majority of the season on the sidelines.

Oxford United confirmed Kent sustained the injury during training.

It has not been stated which of the three grades of ACL injury Kent sustained, but it is most likely either a grade two (partial tear) or a grade three (complete tear). Grade three tears require surgery, but surgery can be given for grade two depending on the circumstances.

The defender, who joined the club this summer after three years with Heart of Midlothian, will now begin his recovery under the care of the club’s medical staff.

The club said: “Everyone at Oxford United wishes Frankie a full and speedy recovery, and the entire club will support him every step of the way.”

Kent joined the U’s on a free transfer after his contract expired in Edinburgh and was the first new signing of the summer transfer window.

He is also the first addition under Aaron Ramsey, the Oxford head coach, who replaced Matt Bloomfield a few weeks ago.

The former Peterborough United and Colchester United centre-back has League One experience with the Posh before moving across the border in 2023.

His move to Oxford came as Hearts decided to go in a different direction.

Kent was not a regular starter last season, playing third choice behind Craig Halkett and Stuart Findlay. It was the first time in his career that he wasn’t a regular starter.

However, Craig Cairns of the Hearts Standard gave insight into Kent’s playing style and qualities.

He said: “He’s great in the air, though should score more goals, physical and good at 1v1 defending.

“The reason he is so popular is that he always gave his all.

“He had poor days like everyone else but his attitude was never in doubt.”

Despite his lack of regular starts last season, Cairns believes Kent will be a success with Oxford United.

He said: “I can’t say I know too much about the style or standard in League One, but from what I can tell there are similarities in terms of physicality.

“There’s no doubt he’ll deal with that no problem and he came to Scotland with plenty of experience in England from his time at Peterborough.

“Obviously there are no guarantees with any signing, but I am confident Kent will be a success.”

Cairns also praised Kent’s leadership abilities, stating that he was the back-up captain whenever Hearts’ vice-captain Halkett was unavailable.

He added: “And 30 is young in football now. I’m confident he’s still got at least a few years in him.”

The club was found to have not been compliant with the EFL’s Salary Cost Management Protocol (SCMP) regulations after their relegation from the Championship.

United have been banned from registering any new players until they are compliant, with the club stating they will be ‘in a strong position ahead of the January transfer window’.

Aaron Ramsey’s side had brought in one new signing before confirmation of the embargo in former Heart of Midlothian centre back Frankie Kent who is not yet registered.

The pressure is now on to keep their star players with a long couple of months ahead fending off interest from elsewhere.

Whilst there a clearly Oxford players who will garner significant interest, these are the players who must stay at the club this summer.

Cameron Brannagan

Possibly the most obvious, but keeping hold of Cameron Brannagan is a must this summer.

Oxford United’s Cameron Brannagan shoots from range (Image: Mike Allen)

The U’s captain and one of their most experienced names, Brannagan will be essential in holding things together both on and off the pitch within the United squad this season.

The 30-year-old has been at the club for eight years now, becoming a club hero after helping secure promotion to the Championship two years ago, and is an outstanding midfielder at League One level.

His passing range, shooting expertise and leadership will be crucial this season as he helps provide stability after an already turbulent summer.

Jamie Cumming

The goalkeeping department is a crucial one to maintain this summer.

After already losing number two keeper Matt Ingram to West Bromwich Albion earlier this month, keeping the main man in between the sticks is a must.

READ MORE: Reported Championship interest in Oxford United star man

READ MORE: Oxford United head to Spain without star man and new signing

Oxford United goalkeeper Jamie Cumming (Image: David Davies/PA)

Jamie Cumming has shown himself to be an impressive shot-stopper in the Championship and League One and keeping him fit and happy this season will be vital if the U’s are to have a good year.

Behind him is a 37-year-old Simon Eastwood before the Yellows have to dip into their academy for depth, so keeping Cumming at the club is a no-brainer.

Tyler Goodrham

One that may fly under the radar after his season-ending injury in January, but keeping Tyler Goodrham could be a stroke of genius.

Tyler Goodrham strikes against Colchester United (Image: Mike Allen)

After missing the entire second half of last season it is unlikely he will garner much interest, but the 22-year-old could become a key man in the upcoming campaign.

Impressive in his most recent League One season, the U’s academy man is a more mature version of himself and now has Championship experience as well.

He is one of only one or two proper attacking midfielder and, being a Yellows product, could be one that brings hope and excitement to supporters.

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