Nottingham Forest captain Chris Cohen has revealed that another serious injury will probably lead to the end of his playing career.
The 27-year-old is currently recovering from his third cruciate knee ligament injury and is concerned that another would cause him to retire.
He is confident that he will be able to return from his latest setback, but won't rush back this season because of the consequences of another problem.
"The surgeon won't let me play before nine months because it's a re-rupture," Cohen told BBC Radio Nottingham.
"One more and it will probably be game over so I have to be very careful."
Cohen had helped Forest to four wins and a draw from their opening five games this season before he damaged his knee in the 1-1 draw with East Midlands rivals Derby County in September.
Since then, Stuart Pearce's side have won just one of their last nine games.
