Ebou Adams' nightmare maiden season for Cardiff City lurches from bad to worse after Dean Whitehead revealed he could still be six weeks away from a return to action.
Just 10 minutes into his City debut, last summer's pre-season friendly against Cambridge United, an awkward fall during a challenge caused a horrendous injury in which he ripped his pectoral muscle off the bone.
While then manager Steve Morison described it as a "car crash, rugby-type injury", it was then reported that the midfielder, who signed on a free after leaving Forest Green Rovers, was "flying" through his rehabilitation in August.
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The Gambia international, who last week turned 27, was Cardiff's first summer signing and the club were delighted to get the deal over the line amid fierce competition from more than 10 Championship clubs as second-tier teams looked to mine the lower leagues for the best talent.
But City fans might have to wait until at least March before they see Adams, whose recovery from a further knee injury has delayed his competitive Bluebirds debut by another few months.
"Ebou is probably a month or six weeks away, still. He had a couple of setbacks, but he is progressing nicely," interim boss Dean Whitehead said after the defeat by Millwall at the weekend.
"He has had a wretched season so far with his setbacks with injuries. But he is mentally strong, he is looking forward to getting out on the pitch for the first time for Cardiff.
"He had a little clear-up in his knee. He is now on the mend and hopefully not too far away."
Not too far away, but he could be on his fourth Cardiff manger, if we include Whitehead, before he even plays a game for the Bluebirds.
Cardiff's attack has drawn much criticism this season and rightly so, but the midfield has also struggled.
The Bluebirds have failed to nail down a consistent central midfield combination, with Ryan Wintle, Joe Ralls, Andy Rinomhota and Romaine Sawyers seemingly rotating in the engine room as City try to achieve the best blend.
Back in the summer, before Adams' injury, it was thought that the former Norwich City man would likely hold down one of those positions, which is why so many were excited to see him. He has the legs to go box to box, adds defensive steel and has improved his attacking output in recent seasons, too.
The goal-shy Bluebirds desperately need help at the top end of the pitch this month, as Whitehead alluded to on Saturday, but their midfield must step up, too. Since Morison's departure, their impact on proceedings has waned dramatically.
Fans will hope Adams still has at least some part to play in this battle for Championship survival, although time is running out for the midfielder.
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