Aston Villa captain James Chester has revealed he has injured his knee "indefinitely" and admits he may have put his career in jeopardy by playing through the pain barrier earlier in the season.
The Welsh international watched on from the stands as his side clinched a return to the Premier League by beating Derby County in the Championship play-off final at Wembley on Monday, and hasn't played a single minute of competitive football since January.
The 30-year old suffered a knee injury two months earlier, but soldiered on at the heart of Dean Smith's defence in light of an injury to Axel Tuanzebe.
Chester has since returned to training and is optimistic about making a return, but he admits he faces an uncertain future for both club and country.
“I have damaged my body indefinitely, really," he said. "It is something I am going to have to manage for the rest of my career. It is what it is.
“I am a professional. Hopefully I can look after it as best I can and play for as long as possible.
“I am OK at the moment. I have been back the last six weeks and it was just a case of the season running out on me.
“The break over the summer will hopefully do me well and hopefully I will be raring to go next season.
“I was pleased to be back by the end of the season with what I had done. I have always looked after myself and hopefully I will continue to do that and give myself the best chance possible.”
Chester insists he is proud to have played a part in what has proved to be a hugely successful season, with Villa ending a three-year exile from the top flight of English football.
“It has been a long three years to get this club to where it is now. I am proud of the achievement personally and what the lads have achieved today.
“It is certainly tough not playing. Any player will tell you that. If you are not involved, you feel like you are not part of things.
“You are having your own battles trying to get fit. I have been part of what this club has achieved and I am really proud of that.”
