Reading winger Bobby Convey admits recovering from knee surgery was the worst time in his life.
He has since made a remarkable recovery and hopes to make his first start in 11 months.
Convey, 24, was plagued by a knee problem last term and has been in the treatment room since February.
He was told before surgery there was a chance he would never play again - but the American international has fought his way back after eight hours a day of rehabilitation.
Convey said: "It was miserable.
"I couldn't move. I just sat there, eating and getting fat.
"It was horrible and I was planning my life while I sat there.
"I was not supposed to play until October but now I am confident I'll be OK."
