Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland is not expected to return to action for another two or three months after the latest setback in his recovery from an ankle injury that has kept him sidelined for nine months already.
Butland confirmed via Instagram earlier this week that he had undergone surgery on the problem for the second time and now various reports have predicted March as a likely return to action.
Jack Butland is facing the prospect of another 2-3 months on the sidelines following surgery to remedy his underlying ankle problem. #SCFC
That will mean that from the moment he first fractured his ankle while representing England against Germany, the 23-year-old will have missed a whole year's worth of playing time.
"Happy to be home after spending a week away seeing another specialist, but grateful we were able to get to the bottom of my setbacks," Butland posted alongside an image of his foot in a protective boot below a Christmas tree at his home.
"Although wanting to avoid surgery it was necessary to do so to get me back playing the game I love," he added.
"It's been a tough and frustrating year but I can't thank everyone enough for their constant support. Wishing all of you and your families an amazing Christmas and a healthy 2017. I'm as positive as ever and I can't wait to be back."
For Stoke, attention will now focus on finding a replacement for the second half of the season.
The Potters have encountered difficulty trying to extend or make permanent Lee Grant's six-month loan move from Derby County and may need to look elsewhere if the Championship club refuse to fairly cooperate. One offer has already been rejected.
"My understanding of things is that there has been a fair offer made and it has been turned down by my own club," Grant recently explained to the Stoke Sentinel.
"Clubs can make it difficult and it seems like that's the case currently. I've made it clear, and Stoke have made their intentions clear, and the hope is that some agreement will be reached before my loan is up."
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