SWINDON Town's hopes of promotion back to League One have been dealt a significant blow after head coach Ben Garner announced Joe Tomlinson and Brandon Cooper had both suffered long-term injuries.

Swansea City defender Cooper is likely to be out for the season with a knee injury picked up during the 2-1 victory over Bradford City on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Peterborough United's Tomlinson will be out for "a period of weeks" after sustaining a groin issue during the warm prior to the win at the weekend.

With Jordan Lyden also out until next term, Harry McKirdy suspended, and both Ben Gladwin and Louie Barry still not back from their respective injuries, Town are down to 16 senior professionals for Tuesday night's League Two clash with Exeter City.

Providing an update on his squad's health status on Monday morning, Garner was the bearer of more bad news.

He said: "It's not good news on Joe. It's a fairly significant injury, and unfortunately it will be a period of weeks with him.

"There's also worse news with Brandon Cooper as he suffered a knee injury as well. That's a significant injury, and that's possibly this season [done] for him.

"It's disappointing on both fronts, more so for the players. They've both been fantastic since they walked in through the door, they're great characters who really contributed to the team.

"They were growing and developing; on a personal level, I'm really disappointed for them.

"They will both come back stronger, they'll both come back as better people, and I'm sure both will go on to have great careers in the game."

Garner says Town are currently having conversations with both Peterborough and Swansea regarding where rehabilitation will take place as all parties aim to return the player to action before the end of the season.

Explaining how the centre-back's injury came about, Garner said: "Brandon's injury was actually a result of a tackle in the first half - he got through the game, which is incredible considering the injury he sustained.

"But he's a great character, a really, really good player. And we're all really disappointed for him.

"He's naturally very disappointed himself, but as always we'll work very hard in conjunction with the parent club to help them rehab and get back as quickly as possible.

"Hopefully, by the end of the season, but if not then we'll do our absolute best by them no matter what."