EAST Thurrock United full-back Sammy Knott admits his latest injury blow comes as a bigger blow than his previous 14 month injury lay-off.

The 21-year-old left-back tore the cartilage in his knee 20 minutes into his comeback against Maldon & Tiptree 10 days ago.

The setback came after he missed all of Rocks’ debut season in the National League South after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in May 2016.

And although he only expects to be out for up to two months following an operation, Knott says he is gutted about his latest injury.

“It feels worse to have to go through it all over again,” he said.

“I didn’t cut any corners the first time around so it is such a big blow. I have done the movement 1000 times in the last six months. It wasn’t a huge tackle. I was passed the ball and I went to turn and as I planted my left leg I heard a rip.

“I didn’t want it to be as bad as it felt and I was able to walk off. It was a really sharp pain and I had a little jog but knew it wasn’t good.

“I had started the match well and it felt great to be back so I was in bits afterwards.”

Knott has consulted the same London physiotherapist that helped with his rehabilitation for his ACL injury and, following an MRI scan, will be speaking with a surgeon in the coming days about his options.

The Canvey-based player admits it is likely he will have the cartilage shaved off his knee, which would rule him out for between six to eight weeks.

And he added he was feeling in good shape, after spending much of the past year in the gym, preparing for Rocks’ second year at the second tier of non-league football.

“It was a long 14 months since the last game and I had four months off work after the operation. I was in the gym every day and tried to treat it like a professional player would.

“By the end of January I was kicking a ball and then I was back involved with the squad.

“I did a lot of sessions with (Concord Rangers defender) Tom Stephen who was also recovering from a cruciate injury. I could have played last season as I felt ready but we held back to be sensible.

“But I will keep working hard and like the look of the squad. I have only played 20 minutes with them but I think we will have a really strong side this year.”