Bolton Wanderers winger Lloyd Isgrove's season is over after he suffered a reoccurance of his hamstring injury ahead of this weekend's clash versus Wigan Athletic.
The winger has been out of action since late November for Wanderers and recently returned to action against Fleetwood Town's reserves at Lostock last week.
Isgrove started the game but was withdrawn midway through the first half as he limped off in what was initially thought to be a precaution.
READ MORE: Chances of Manchester City & Fulham loanees making Bolton Wanderers transfer returns assessed
But giving a team news update ahead of this weekend's clash against the Latics, Wanderers boss Ian Evatt has revealed that Isgrove has suffered a reoccurance of the problem.
It means that Isgrove is out for the rest of the season and will be back in action within the next three to four months, so all focus is now being ready for pre-season ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
Evatt said: "He’s reinjured that hamstring. It’s the same prognosis. He will be missing for three to four months and that just shows the harsh realities of football.
"He’s worked tirelessly hard to get himself in excellent condition. Post-op, I think there was less than a five per cent chance of the injury reoccuring and unfortunately that’s happened to him.
"We’ll support him, we wish him well and we’ll give him everything he needs.
“It is the same hamstring, same area, same tendon, just slightly lower.
“When someone has been in the gym for three months and worked their socks off to get back in excellent shape – and he really was in excellent shape – he felt comfortable, but then one sprint and cross of a ball and it is that five per cent chance.
“It is really challenging for him, it has rocked him, and he is really upset.
“But he is a strong character and a really good person and he will get all the help he needs for the next three to four months and I have no doubt that he will be back stronger.
“He has had this journey before and really quickly having come out of it, he is heading down another one.
"But the group will support him, the players are really close now and the staff, Sharon (Brittan) and everyone else will give him everything he needs to make sure his mindset and mental health is good. If that is good you can do the work in the gym you need to get you back and reasy to play. I have no question marks with him."
Kieran Lee is not likely to be available for the clash against Wigan, but Wanderers have been boosted by defender Gethin Jones being back available again.
And Evatt is pleased to have his vice-captain back available from compassionate leave as the whole Wanderers squad attended the funeral of his mother Karen as a mark of respect.
He said: “He has been great, brilliant. He is a big part of this group, a big character and we all think the world of him.
“We all went to the funeral as a mark of respect for him and his wonderful mother and we have all been here to support him in whatever way possible.
“He has looked great since he came back and we are lucky to have him. "
