GUARD Eric Flato will not play again this season, Plymouth Raiders have announced.

The 23-year-old, 6ft 1in American suffered a serious thigh injury in training on November 10 and has not played since.

He currently awaits a third operation to help repair a hematoma (internal bleeding), which flared from a dead leg.

Raiders coach Gary Stronach said: "Eric will be returning home after the third operation and will go with the best thoughts and hopes from everyone at the Raiders organisation."

Stronach added: "Following a meeting with the consultant (Robert Morris, at Derriford Hospital), Eric and myself discussed the best way forward.

"Both of us are very disappointed he won't be able to finish the season, but for his own health and the longevity of his career, it's the only way forward."

Flato has missed Raiders' last four BBL Championship games and Stronach is now chasing a replacement guard.

Stronach did not rule out a move for former Raider Drew Lasker, who is primarily a shooting-guard.

Lasker, Raiders' leading scorer from 2005-09, remains a free-agent after leaving the Pavilions last summer.

"I'd consider anybody to be honest," said Stronach. "There are a whole host of guys currently out there.

"I'll try and sign someone as quick as I can. Obviously we need to get someone in."

Some fans believe Raiders, currently 1-9 and bottom of the BBL, need strengthening up front – but, with injured big-man James Noel (Achilles) due back in two-three weeks, Stronach ruled out that possibility.

"I'm after a guard," said Stronach. "I'm not looking for anything else; I've got my big-men sorted."

When – and if – Noel returns, he will fight for minutes at power-forward and centre with fellow big-men Tino Valencia, Matt Hilleary and Anthony Rowe.

In Raiders' backcourt and on the wing at small-forward, Stronach will rotate Anthony Martin, Allister Gall, Terry Horton and the new recruit in an eight-man rotation overall.

Stronach also hinted Flato may not have played his last game for Raiders, following his six appearances in 2009/10.

Stronach said: "Eric is very positive about rehabilitating his injury at home (in San Francisco) and is looking forward to continuing his career next season.

"I'll be in constant contact with Eric through the rest of the season and next summer."

Flato shone in pre-season at the Pavilions, averaging 24.7 points per game on 44 per cent shooting from the field.

However, the rookie Yale University product struggled once the serious business began and averaged only 10.3 points per game on 39 per cent shooting from the field.

He also dried up from outside, going a poor 21 per cent from the three-point line.

Following the win over London Capital, in the first round of the BBL Cup on October 17, Stronach re-signed point-guard Martin to support Flato off the bench.

Martin upstaged Flato in Raiders' one league win this season.

Thirteen points and six assists did not do Martin justice as he led Raiders to a brilliant 96-95 win in overtime over defending champions Newcastle Eagles.

Flato watched from the bench for much of the contest and finished with four points.

Meanwhile, Stronach had only praise for Flato and said: "He's been a great ambassador for the club and the city, on and off court.

"He's come in and run the team and it's obvious how much we've missed him since his injury.

"Off the court he's been absolutely fantastic, working in schools as part of our community programme, and he's one of the most enthusiastic and engaging players we've seen in Plymouth.

"It's a tragedy this has happened to him in his first professional season."

Flato said: "I want to thank everyone involved with the Raiders for helping me through this injury.

"The players, fans and front office have been wonderful.

"I have really enjoyed my time here in Plymouth and am sad to leave, but I'm optimistic about returning to peak fitness after rehab."

Flato suffered an innocent enough dead leg in training on Tuesday night, November 10.

But by 6am the following morning, he was having surgery at Derriford Hospital to relieve internal bleeding.

He has since had a second operation, a skin graft, to help the initial incision heal. Raiders hope Flato will have a third procedure before Christmas.