Jay Smith's recurring injury nightmare has grown worse, with the talented Southend United midfielder now ruled out for the rest of the season.
The former Aston Villa trainee, who has been sidelined since February with a broken dislocation of the ankle, has ruptured his Achilles and will now face further surgery.
Smith only recently made his comeback for the reserves and was looking forward to kicking a football in the first team again after nine frustrating months on the sidelines.
And this will be another massive blow for the 23-year-old who has endured an injury plagued time at Roots Hall ever since quitting Villa Park on a free transfer.
"It's terrible news because Jay is such a good player and he was just coming back to fitness after being out for so long," said Blues boss Steve Tilson.
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