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Tate is in his tenth season with Swansea

Swansea City defender Alan Tate will be out for up to six months after breaking his leg in what his club have described as a "bizarre golfing accident".

In a statement external-link the club said Tate was a passenger in a golf buggy that lost control on Sunday.

The 28-year-old was taken to Morriston Hospital where he was diagnosed with a fractured tibia of his left leg.

"We're really gutted for him and he's obviously very disappointed," said Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers.

"To be out for up to six months with what's happened will be absolutely devastating."

Tate is in his 10th season with the Swans and has played more than 300 games for the club.

The club vice-captain has played twice this season including their opening Premier League match at Manchester City.

He was an unused substitute in Swansea's 0-0 draw against Sunderland at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday.

Tate started his career as a trainee with Manchester United but made no senior appearances for the Old Trafford side.

After a brief loan spell with Royal Antwerp he joined then League Two side Swansea on loan in 2002, helping the club to Football League survival.

Following a further loan spell he joined the south Wales club in a permanent deal in February 2004.

He signed a four-year contract with the club in August 2009.

Swansea have had to do without fellow defender Garry Monk for their opening three league matches of the season.

The captain has been sidelined by a foot injury but is close to a first-team return after appearing for the reserves.