Coventry City manager Aidy Boothroyd has said that the stress fracture that Gary Deegan suffered was a self inflicted injury.
Boothroyd explained that Deegan was too keen to regain his fitness following an operation to repair a detached ankle ligament and over did his training.
The 22 year old Irish midfielder spent his time in Austria cycling around the Alps while his team mates did their fitness training and ball work and when he returned to Coventry he took up running in a bid to get fit in time for the start of the new season.
Boothroyd ruefully explained to the CT: "Unfortunately Gary has overdone it in his enthusiasm to want to get back quicker. He went for a run and suffered a stress fracture, so it was a bit of naivety and enthusiasm that has got him into this situation"
Boothroyd is now down to three fit central midfielders with Gunnarsson, Clingan and Doyle.
The City boss is in the happy situation of having Michael Doyle available as he could have easily gone to another club by now.
Boothroyd continued speaking about Deegan, saying, "He's obviously disappointed about it, as we all are, but it has happened and we have to get on with it and he has got to get himself fit again."
"It leaves us a bit short because Isaac Osbourne is still injured, but we have got Michael Doyle back and we will see how we go. It is something we might need to look at as the season goes on."
Boothroyd revealed that he tried to sign Deegan last year while he was still managing Colchester, but Deegan opted for Coventry City instead.
"I tried to sign him when I was at Colchester," said Boothroyd. "He is a player with a fantastic spirit and willingness to win and you can't coach that into players, they have either got it or that haven't."
"He's a fiery bugger as well and I am very much looking forward to working with him when he is fit and raring to go again and ready to compete for a place in the midfield."