Bristol City midfielder Joe Williams has vowed to come back "better and stronger" than he was before after his latest injury setback.
The 24-year-old has had a torrid time with injuries this season, missing the majority of the 2020/21 campaign with thigh and hamstring issues.
Since joining the Robins from Wigan Athletic last summer, Williams has only featured twice for City, with one appearance in the Championship in a 2-0 defeat against Cardiff City earlier this month, before starting the FA Cup fifth-round clash with Sheffield United at Bramall Lane nine days ago.
However, he was taken off with tightness in his hamstring and it has now been confirmed that he faces another spell on the sidelines.
And the former Everton youth, who has also previously played at Barnsley and Bolton Wanderers on loan from the Toffees, has sent a message to City supporters detailing his injury struggles, with no timeframe as yet for when he could return.
Writing on Instagram, he said: "I’m sorry to all the Bristol city fans who were looking forward to watching more of me at my best this season that hasn’t been possible due to a reoccurring injury that I have been struggling to deal with.
"It’s been a difficult season for me so far because I’m so used to playing football every week and that’s when I’m happiest.
"But I feel like we finally got to the bottom of it after having the scans and now I can focus on what treatment to have and coming back better and stronger than I was before which I have always done in tough moments and will do the same again this time round."
Williams is one of several players currently out injured for City, who have had a number of long-term absentees this season which has taken its toll on the side in recent months.
City are preparing to face Barnsley in the Championship tomorrow, with Keith Downing and Paul Simpson set to take charge for the game following the club's decision to part ways with Dean Holden after the 2-0 defeat to Reading in midweek, which was the Robins' sixth straight defeat in all competitions.
