Neil Clement has confirmed that he will not return this season for West Bromwich Albion.
The luckless defender, who has made exactly 300 appearances for the club during a nine-year period, limped out of a pre-season friendly against Real Mallorca last summer.
Clement suffered major cruciate damage and, as a result, has not played since.
About four months ago he expressed hope of being fit for the final few weeks of this campaign, but the ex-Chelsea man has now finally drawn a line under those prospects.
“I think realistically I’ve got to write off this season,” said Clement, who is the club’s longest serving player.
“If I rushed back I could do more damage.
“It’s taking longer than my left knee took but I probably came back too soon with my left one and had complications so I’m being a bit more careful so I don’t end up breaking down.
“I’ve run out of time really for this season and it’s important I don’t break down with this one.
“In my head it’s all about being back in pre-season and not using pre-season to get fit. I want to be back training with the lads in about a month so after that I can keep ticking over with my fitness during the summer. I’m back running now which is great. It’s nice to be out of the gym, be outside and be running. It’s about getting fitter and fitter now.”
Meanwhile, James Morrison has promised to remain at The Hawthorns – as long as Albion want him.
Morrison is likely to be coveted by other clubs if, as expected, Albion are relegated.
But he said: “I’ve got a contract and the club pay me to play so I am loyal to them.
“You never know in football what’s going to happen but I am fully committed, as I always have been.
“It is Premier League football and everyone wants to play in the Premier League so if it did happen I would have to weigh up my options.
“It is up to the club as well because at the end of the day it is their choice and I am contracted to them.”
