Bristol have vowed to stand by back-rower Bertrand Bedes after the summer recruit was ruled out for the majority of the season.

The French No 8, pictured, injured his knee 11 minutes into his Bristol debut – the recent 36-10 win against Rotherham – and scans have shown he has suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

The standard rehabilitation period for such injuries is between six and nine months, with even a best-case scenario ruling Bedes out until March.

The 28-year-old only joined Bristol from Cornish Pirates three months ago – and head coach Paul Hull admits this is a difficult time for the French forward.

"It's a new club, he doesn't speak fluent English and it's a really difficult situation for him," said Hull.

"We're all rallying round him, but the first couple of the weeks are always the easiest because everyone is heightened to the fact he's injured.

"We've got to make sure we carry that on throughout this term of rehabilitation.

"It's just a matter of making sure he gets back as quickly as possible – and we have to do everything possible to help him do that."

Bedes' stint at Bristol Rugby had already been hampered by injury before he suffered a serious knee problem.

He missed the opening two matches of the Championship campaign after being troubled by a hamstring complaint during pre-season.

And Hull said: "I'm disappointed for anyone who has what could potentially be a long-term injury. It's very disappointing for the player and it's disappointing for the squad. It's the nature of the sport that these things happen, but we wish him all the best.

"It's been unfortunate for him. He had a slight hamstring strain in pre-season, so was just getting himself back up to full fitness. What has happened is just very unlucky for him."

Bedes is yet to have an operation on his damaged knee, but he is expected to go under the knife soon and Bristol are in the process of working out his rehabilitation programme.

"Bertrand has done his ACL, so they're looking at a management plan for that now," said Hull.

"I don't know when the operation will be, but there's a management plan being put in place by our medical team and the orthopaedic surgeon.

"He's on crutches and he's in the medical room. He's upbeat and he's keen and eager to get back as soon as possible – and hopefully he'll feature later in the season for us."

As well as Bedes, Bristol Rugby will continue to be without lock Nathan Budgett, winger Mat Turner and hooker Ross Johnson when Exeter Chiefs visit the Memorial Stadium on Sunday.

Bristol (from): Backs – L Arscott, T Arscott, L Eves, J Fatialofa, D Norton, A Jarvis, J Spice, M Davies, R Shaw, L Robinson, J Adams. Forwards – M Irish, D Blaney, W Thompson, M Sambucetti, R Winters, I Grieve, J Merriman, D Montagu, D Crompton, O Hayes, A Clarke, R Pennycook, J Phillips.