Fresh cruciate ligament blow for Wayne Hennessey

Wayne Hennessey was today facing heartbreak after suffering a major setback in his comeback from a cruciate ligament injury.

The Wolves keeper injured the knee – on which he had surgery seven months ago – in training and scans confirmed he now may have to go under the knife again to repair the damage.

The 25-year-old has been battling back from the injury, sustained in the match with Sunderland in April, and had returned to full training with three reserve-team matches under his belt. But he now looks set to miss the rest of the season if more surgery is required. Boss Stale Solbakken said: "Obviously, this is the worst thing that could have happened to Wayne. He has worked so professionally in getting fit again, doing everything by the book. His rehabilitation had gone to plan and then this happens.

"It is a tremendous blow to Wayne and the club but we will do everything we can to help him through this especially the first period which is going to be really tough."

Hennessey said today: "It's hard because the lads in physio couldn't have done more for me, I've trained hard and there were no problems in the reserve games that I played in.

"It was just one of those freak things that can happen and it's no use dwelling on it – nothing is going to change things. So I'm just concentrating on getting fit again – I've done it once and I'll do it again."

Head of medical Phil Hayward said: "Of all of the players to have had such a surgery, Wayne has to have been one of the least likely to sustain a re-injury.

"His application over the last seven months has been exceptional and this was demonstrated by the fact he returned to play with such a strong and well controlled knee.

"It is difficult to find an explanation as to why this injury occurred as he had met all of the functional benchmarks set and the surgeon was delighted with him.

"With such a surgery there is clearly a small percentage failure rate and it would appear he has unfortunately found himself among this unlucky few.

"He will see the surgeon in the coming days when a decision will be made on the next steps for him towards recovery."